Six Signs Your Aging Parents Need Assistance

Holiday gatherings are a time to thoughtfully observe aging family members and consider whether they might benefit from additional support to keep safe, sound and secure, according to Benevia (www.benevia.com), a one-stop consumer service that coordinates relocations, care needs and professional services for older adults, their families and caregivers.

“Reconnecting with family throughout the holidays provides an opportunity to observe in person, whether there have been changes in their behavior or physical and emotional well-being since the last family gathering,” said Benevia Co-Founder and Vice President Eric Rovner. “Remaining open and aware of the signs an aging family member needs help, enables you to quickly and effectively identify and provide the assistance that best meets their individual needs.”

Elder Americans are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population, numbering 37.3 million in 2006, representing one in every eight Americans. By 2030, there will be about 71.5 million older persons, more than twice their number in 2000, according to the Administration on Aging, Dec. 2007.

As a result, children of aging parents increasingly find themselves managing a parent’s care. In fact, at least 44.4 million adults care for friends and loved ones with debilitating illnesses. It is estimated that 80 percent of all care received by older Americans is provided by family members, according to the 2003 National Alliance for Caregiving/AARP National Caregiver Survey.

Benevia presents Six Signs Your Aging Parent Needs Assistance:

1. Mood changes and isolation due to depression. Feeling alone, hopeless and isolated are common and understandable as people feel their independence slipping away. Irritability, a disinterest in previously enjoyable activates, dressing and socializing; as well as crying, lack of energy, sleepless nights and talk of despair are signs of possible depression.
2. Disorientation or short-term memory loss. Signs include missed or overdosed medications, newly scorched bottoms of pots and pans due to forgetting a pan on the stove, a break in routine activities and missed appointments; repeated and random phone calls at odd hours; and windows and doors left open and unlocked.
3. Unkempt or inappropriate appearance. Wearing the same, unlaundered clothes over an over again and not maintaining regular hygiene because laundry and bathing may have become too difficult. Wearing clothes that are not weather-appropriate, such as sweaters in the summer heat or no coat in winter may be signs of disorientation.
4. Weight loss and loss of appetite. When grocery shopping and cooking become overwhelming, a parent may not be eating enough and not eating a healthy diet. Loss of appetite can be a sign of depression or physical illness.
5. A messy, cluttered house and piles of unopened mail. Clutter stands out with someone who tends to keep an orderly home and manage their financial accounts. Late and missed payments, piles of garbage and disorder are signs, as well as spoiled and unopened food in the refrigerator.
6. Loss of balance when walking or judgment when driving. Recent falls, distraction and or small fender benders can be causes for alarm.

There are a multitude of senior-specific services available, including in-home health care, senior living communities, home modification, downsizing assistance, adult day care, geriatric care management, transportation, meal delivery, in-home emergency response service and more. Just being aware of such options can make a major difference. “A service, such as Benevia’s can help clients and families navigate the maze of supportive services and coordinate those that support a safe, sound and secure living environment whether that means aging in place or transitioning to a retirement living community,” said Rovner.

A dedicated Benevia Transition Coordinator creates a personalized plan and expertly coordinates the related details with Benevia’s network of screened service providers, at no cost to the consumer or caregiver. Benevia’s three areas of service include:

• Relocation and home needs – coordinating the moving process, home modifications and sales
• Care needs – identifying and coordinating high quality home care and placement services
• Professional services -- identifying and coordinating insurance, legal, financial and estate planning services

Benevia can provide these services at minimum cost to the consumer because it is compensated by its network of hand-selected service providers for the privilege of assisting our valued clients. For more information, call toll free 1-888-BENEVIA (236-3842) or visit www.benevia.com.

About Benevia

Founded in 2003, Benevia (www.benevia.com) is dedicated to transforming the way older adults and their families navigate later life transitions. Through both personal and professional experiences, Benevia's founders identified that although there were numerous services to assist families with a specific healthcare or housing need, most families have multiple service needs. With this in mind, Benevia was formed to provide a holistic and personalized approach to the transition process. The Benevia team has successfully simplified transitions for hundreds of families and our clients appreciate the unique blend of expertise, genuine caring, and respect we bring to each and every transition we support.

In 2008, Benevia was acquired by Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage, one of the oldest and most highly respected service providers in the Greater Seattle area. Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage was founded in 1890 and has been owned and operated by the same family for four generations. After 118 years, Hansen Bros. Moving and Storage remains committed to the original mission: “To be the most trusted provider of moving and storage services whether down the street, across the country, or around the world.” For more information about Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage and the related portfolio of companies, please visit www.hansenbros.com.

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Media Contact:
Eric Rovner
1-888-BENEVIA (1-888-236-3842)
info@benevia.com