Outside in his underwear
Q) The 90-year-old neighbour is alone and often forgets others are around. Last week he was gardening in his undies and yesterday he forgot to put on a shirt to go shopping. I called his son who doesn’t really visit at all anymore and he couldn’t be convinced to come and check things out. Should I intervene?
These behaviours might sound pretty harmless on the surface but one worries that your neighbour might be living at risk and perhaps suffering from confusion, memory loss or delirium. A home visit by a professional should happen. Talk to the doctor, the police or another community agency where they can refer you to the right services.
Allergies getting worse
Q) I’m a caregiver for my gran three days a week. Is it fair for me to insist that the cat is put in a separate room while I’m there. Unfortunately, I’m terribly allergic to cat hair. She’s very good to me but I’m suffering.
Try these measures to reduce the effects of allergens. Avoid dry cleaning with dusters or brooms. Use damp cloths/mops. Vacuum frequently and wear a disposable dust mask. Consider HEPA filters and an air purifier to reduce allergens up to five to seven-fold. And, wash bedding and clothes in hot water.
Eggs and toast
Q) All my older sister wants to eat is scrambled eggs, toast and tea. She eats once a day at lunch time and only has a coffee in the morning and a piece of fruit and a biscuit at night. This has been going on for about 10 weeks now. I’ve called her family doctor but no one has called me back.
Your concern is well founded. Keep trying the doctors’ office – if all else fails drop in. Or, call the provincial tele-health line for support. Oftentimes when an older adult stops eating there is an underlining cause. Keep digging.
Lost her hearing aid
Q) In the nursing home, there’s a problem with things going missing. This is the second time I’ve had to go on a hunt for mum’s belongings only to find them in another resident’s room. The first time it was her glasses. Now it’s the hearing aid for her left ear that’s gone. What can I do to keep this from happening?
I remember this situation well from my mum’s time in long term care. Step 1 is to make sure her name is on everything – clothes, glasses, hearing aids, books, room décor etc. Step 2 is to talk to the nursing team. They will help identify the problem – is someone taking things, is your mum leaving them elsewhere in her travels. It’s often forgetfulness by all parties. Once you know how things are going missing you’ll be well on the way to a solution.
Photos: CanStock
