Dec 23, 2021
So you saw Mom and Dad for the first time in a while – what now?

So, you saw your loved ones for the first time in a while. That’s a good thing given how the last few years have been, but unfortunately you noticed things have changed. 

Changes are more apparent when you haven’t seen someone for an extended period of time – think of that niece or nephew who “suddenly” seems to have grown up in the blink of an eye. The same can be true for your parents and grandparents as they age, especially if you haven’t seen them in a while due to COVID but are finally able to see them in person for these holidays. It is easier to pick up on changes in person that you may not have noticed when you called to check-in. If you’ve travelled to their home, you are able to see their living space, how things are, and their daily routine. If they are traveling to you, the disruption of their routine may highlight changes that may be concerning.  

There are so many articles telling you about the concerning “signs” to look out for, which is helpful and important. However, that still leaves you with the “what now?” question if they present these concerning signs of aging/dementia.  

Depending on where they are in the process, the action you take may vary. We’d like to suggest a few steps. 

To start, it is always good to have someone local (if you aren’t) that can do check-ins on them that they trust and won’t feel like they’re being checked on. Sometimes, they do appreciate a check-in. There are local non-profits and organizations that can do this if you don’t know of an individual in the area. Second, it’s important to get a feel for their daily routine. That way you can know how you can safely support them and keep them as active and independent as possible for as long as possible.  

Once you know their routine, try integrating some of the new technology solutions that help provide peace of mind for them and you. These solutions are easily added into their lifestyle. Our Theora Connect is one idea. Our stylish Theora Connect wearable provides remote monitoring and GPS location, hands-free communication, yet doesn’t give off PERS vibes and isn’t privacy invading. It also has smartwatch features that satisfy the tech side of them. Requiring zero button pressing by the user, it is a great solution for your loved ones if they are prone to wandering, might wander, or get confused easily. With hands-free connection, you can call your loved one and start talking without them having to press a button to answer the call.  

Theora Connect is scalable so you don’t have to buy different “solutions” and then buy new ones/swap out as they progress, however, more on that later. 

We know that nothing replaces the human touch, but when you can’t be there, we created the next best thing. Keeping caregivers and families connected is what we do, because we’ve been there, and we get it. How can we help your family today?