What a senior needs most is attention

SALISBURY — This holiday season many of us will return home to share time and memories with our loved ones. For many seniors the visit could be a real lifesaver. If you are visiting a senior or someone suffering from an illness, Brookdale Senior Living encourages you to take your time, look and listen.

What you see and hear may be telling you a loved one is in need of help. A desire to cover an illness or decline in health may be marked by withdrawal or excused away as forgetfulness. Someone suffering from early stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia may appear distant, depressed or irritable.

Need help now? Brookdale Senior Care-Line 704-267-9326 will operate Dec. 24-28 to offer answers and assistance to family members visiting for the holidays.

Additional information on medical options, financing and care will be available in person at an open house on Wednesday, Dec. 28, from 2–6 p.m. at Brookdale Senior Living’s Salisbury Gardens Assisted Living, 2201 Statesville Blvd.

What can you do now?

Give the gift of time:

• Look in the refrigerator (Check food supply and dates).

• Drive their car (check the state of the tires, oil and antifreeze).

• Take a peek at the mail (keep an eye out for unpaid bills).

• Investigate the bathroom (check for cleanliness).

• Take a note of how the pets are doing.

• Talk to the neighbors. (Get numbers, try to establish a relationship).

• Identify some benchmarks (consider marked declines from the previous year).

• Check medications (Are they current? What are they for? Are they taking them correctly?).

• Go to the source. This is probably the most important “next” step. Take the time to sit down with your parent, listen to their concerns, worries and perceptions. Ask what you can do to help. As when dealing with any of life’s difficult problems, oftentimes an individual (young or old) needs time to process conversations and suggestions. Give your loved one time to let your conversation sink in. Then, after the holiday, you can (as a family and “team”) engage in devising a plan for solutions that meet your parent’s needs.

• Need help? Contact the Brookdale Senior Care-Line or call 911 for emergency assistance.

Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is a leading owner and operator of senior living communities throughout the United States.

The company is committed to providing an exceptional living experience through properties that are designed, purpose-built and operated to provide the highest-quality service, care and living accommodations for residents. The company owns and operates independent living, assisted living and dementia-care communities and continuing care retirement centers, with 648 communities in 36 states and the ability to serve over 67,000 residents.

Brookdale Senior Living communities provide a daily experience of programs, services and care. Visit www.brookdaleliving.com for more information on the publicly traded company.