Ashland, MA (PRWEB) November 2, 2006 -- A sharply increasing number of families will face rising eldercare challenges during this approaching holiday season. For out-of-town visitors, seeing the condition of their elderly relative in person may come as a shock. For those already intimately involved with caregiving responsibilities, the holidays can be a time when both the onset of winter and the emotional needs of the elderly will add to the job at hand.

According to Robert Brooks, CEO of ElderCarelink, the nation’s leading free eldercare referral service, “We are anticipating a record number of requests for eldercare assistance this season. Historically, the week after Thanksgiving generates more requests from worried family members than any other week of the year.”

This holiday season, ElderCarelink is sending a message to all family members to be alert to signs that their elderly relative may need help. “Most importantly,” says Brooks, “watch for signs of change. Changes in health, mood, and living conditions can all be important indicators.” In addition, Brooks suggests that visiting family members speak with the people who see their elderly relative on a daily basis to find out if they have noticed any recent changes.

ElderCarelink offers the following list of ten specific signs to watch for:

•    Personal hygiene problems
•    Home in disarray or needing to be cleaned
•    Weight loss or weight gain—check for spoiled food or insufficient food in the home
•    Failure to manage medications or medical appointments
•    Increased difficulty with mobility (such as climbing stairs or using a bathtub)
•    Changes in judgment, mood, or overall behavior
•    Increased forgetfulness—check for unopened mail or unread newspapers
•    Missed bill payments or other financial difficulties
•    Unusual or extravagant purchases that are out of character
•    Decreased social activities or failing to maintain friendships

“It’s very difficult for adult children to confront these issues with their aging parents,” adds Brooks, “but failure to do so can create even greater difficulties down the road.”

About ElderCarelink
ElderCarelink, a leading provider of qualified lead generation services within the eldercare industry, assists families in finding a multitude of senior services, including assisted living, nursing homes, adult day care, private duty nursing, care management and home care in all 50 states. More about finding eldercare assistance or joining our network of providers can be found at www.eldercarelink.com.

Contact:
Ken Housman
ElderCarelink
508-881-0831

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ElderCarelink
Ken Housman
508-881-0831
E-mail InformationTrackback URL: http://prweb.com/pingpr.php/UGlnZy1Qcm9mLUZhbHUtQ291cC1NYWduLVplcm8=

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