Visiting Angels of West Springfield would like to wish you and your family a healthy and happy New Year!

We ask that as you visit elderly loved ones, please pay special attention to their surroundings, habits and interactions.

Visits from family and friends may come very sporadically for older adults and seniors. When individuals do visit, they often overlook signs that can point to various physical or mental afflictions that seniors often struggle with. Please pay close attention to signs of early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. Some examples include misplacing objects in odd locations (such as keys in the fridge or a purse underneath the sink) and repeating the same story or phrase several times. These odd or unusual habits are early signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia. You should alert the individual’s medical doctor immediately for further examination.

Next time you visit an elderly loved one, please look out for these warning signs:

• Wearing the same outfit every day
• Laundry, dishes, or household chores piling up
• Expired or moldy food in fridge
• Poor hygiene
• Somber or depressed mood or tone of voice
• General mess throughout the living quarters

Some of these warning signs may offer a glimpse into the life your elder loved one is living (regardless if they live alone or with a partner). These could be signs of depression, anxiety, or other physical conditions that may impact their living conditions. Your loved one may also need a little extra help to complete everyday tasks that we often take for granted. Many of these non-medical challenges can be resolved by the experienced and compassionate caregivers of Visiting Angels.

If you have further questions about warning signs of common health concerns, such as early-onset Alzheimer’s or Dementia, or want to learn more about the services offered by Visiting Angels, please contact us at (413) 733-6900 or by email at hgobeil@visitingangels.com.