Seeing mom and dad at the holidays? Good time to assess their wellness.

Description

Concerned about loved ones as they age? The holidays are often a time for happy reunions with aging parents, in-laws, aunts and uncles who you haven't seen in months or perhaps even years. 

A free, objective and informational seminar will provide some insight on what to look for and how to have meaningful conversations about aging choices will be held at the education and training center of FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston, 109 ? 123 109 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA  02494 - next to PetCo and directly across from Panera Bread.  There is ample, free parking both in the front and rear of the office building. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

The educational session will be led by Wendy Adlerstein, LSW, who has more than 20 years of experience in working with seniors. She holds a B.A. from Clark University, in Psychology with a concentration in Sociology and Human Services. In addition to her Massachusetts License in Social Work, Wendy holds a Certificate in Gerontology from the Worcester Consortium Gerontology Program.
 
She is a member of the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA), formerly the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.  Finally, Wendy is a Certified Dementia Practitioner® in good standing from the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners.
 
The seminar will outline the 10 signs to watch for. This interactive presentation also encourages participants to ask questions and provide their own anecdotes.
Family members are encouraged to watch for the 10 signs that are a cause for concern:

• Weight loss
• Not maintaining his/her personal appearance and hygiene
• Not remembering when to take medication and not knowing what condition each medication is treating
• Not eating nutritious meals or not eating at all
• Food in the refrigerator or on the shelves that is past its expiration date or molding
• Not maintaining the home by doing chores such as cleaning bathrooms, washing floors or regular vacuuming
• Not paying bills - unpaid or unopened piles of bills are a red flag
• Not taking proper care of a pet
• Avoiding or having difficulty ascending/descending steps
• Limiting contact with or lacking an interest in the outside world