(ARA) - When Jody found her grandmother Florence, a strong, 77-year-old woman affectionately called “Mama”, vacuuming the front lawn one day, Jody finally decided it was time to move her to a dependent care facility. The decision was not easy. Having seen her grandmother gradually slip away, five years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the family struggled with the decision of when to seek full-time nursing care for Florence.

It’s a scenario that more baby boomer children are facing every day. With the U.S. population of people age 65 years and older expected to increase threefold within the next 20 years, it’s a decision that a wave of boomers will be forced to consider in the years to come.

What are the signs that a loved one may be starting to fail? How do you know who to trust? Who do you listen to? Where do you start when you suspect some changes may have to be made for an older loved one?

Janet Louise Gibson faced this decision as her mother, Marjorie, suffered from a terminal disease. Unable to find a single source to guide her through the ordeal, Gibson compiled a book that would help other boomers facing the painful emotional and financial decisions around finding long-term care for an aging parent or loved one.

Gibson shares some signs that your loved one may require care from her new book, “The Complete Guide to Senior Care,” recently published by Wise Life Press (wiselifepress.com). These signs include:

• Your loved one has had a stroke or heart attack, has fallen, been severely injured or has been diagnosed with a fatal disease;

• Sudden or dramatic weight loss;

• Memory lapses, decreased judgment or increased forgetfulness;

• Difficulty in taking medications or remembering to take medications;

• Avoiding, ignoring or forgetting responsibilities including neglecting household duties and basic hygiene;

• Unexplained bruising;

• Withdrawal from social activities and from wanting to be with other people; .

• Mood changes, unsuitable behavior, speech or appearance; and

• Wandering. If you recognize these or other disturbing changes in your aging parent or loved one, Gibson recommends taking these steps:

• Start by speaking with your loved one. Ask questions to help assess the situation.

• Speak with your family. If you haven’t already, put a legal, financial and health action plan into place.

• Talk to your loved one’s friends and neighbors. They may see your loved one more frequently and at different times of the day.

• Consult with your loved one’s physicians and other legal and financial professionals. While they may not be able to legally discuss specific information without your loved one’s consent, they can provide advice.

As the caregiver for your aging parent, this is the time when you must become the advocate. After assessing available input and information, you are ultimately the best judge of your loved one’s well being.

For more information or to purchase a copy of “The Complete Guide to Senior Care,” visit www.wiselifepress.com.

Article courtesy of ARA Content