LOCAL ADVICE FROM A LOCAL EXPERT Q: I am visiting my mom who has dementia over the holidays. What should I look for to indicate she may need more help? First, look for anything unusual in their home. Is their once- A: or messier usual? you Tessa Johnson MSN, BSN, RN, CDP Executive Director Country House Residence Dickinson, ND of unopened mail or unpaid bills? Check to see if the heat, power, water and major appliances are in good working condition. Check thermostats and furnace filters. If you see indicators that their home isn't being properly managed, you may need to act. Such signs can even be early indicators of physical or cognitive challenges that mean they're no longer in the best environment. Also, If your aging loved one presents an appearance that's wildly different from their norm, take note. Is your usually well-coiffed mother free of makeup, with hair undone? Is your grandfather's personal hygiene suffering? While we all have been past due for a haircut at one time or another, signs of appearing unclean or any significant changes in appearance can be cause for concern. Changes in their ability to move, such as an unsteady gait, hunched back or shuffling feet are troubling signs they're having physical challenges, and this can be especially dangerous if they are regularly navigating stairs or still doing outside chores. Additionally, do they have strange bruises or other injuries? These could suggest a recent spill or even recurring falls. And changes in weight-loss or gain -can be worrisome signs that a checkup and medical intervention may be necessary. Coffee Club at Dunn Brothers! 2022 EEST OF THE WESTERN EDGE Voted Best Senior Care & Best Place to Work Availability is limited UPCOMING EVENT! Annual Christmas Light Drive Through Friday, Dec. 16, 2022 5-7pm Drive through the CountryHouse loop to experience the beautiful Christmas lights, music, hot cocoa and treats from the comfort of your vehicle! You then will drive right down the block to Evergreen and drive through their loop for even more Christmas cheer and presents for all! Country House: 628 24th St. West- Dickinson, ND Evergreen: 2143 6th Ave. West-Dickinson, ND COUNTRY HOUSE RESIDENCE for memory care by Agemark Senior Living 628 24th Street West | Dickinson, ND 58601 Please call 701-483-2266 for more information, or email Amanda Wilson awilson@countryhouse.net LOCAL ADVICE FROM A LOCAL EXPERT Q : I am visiting my mom who has dementia over the holidays . What should I look for to indicate she may need more help ? First , look for anything unusual in their home . Is their once A : or messier usual ? you Tessa Johnson MSN , BSN , RN , CDP Executive Director Country House Residence Dickinson , ND of unopened mail or unpaid bills ? Check to see if the heat , power , water and major appliances are in good working condition . Check thermostats and furnace filters . If you see indicators that their home isn't being properly managed , you may need to act . Such signs can even be early indicators of physical or cognitive challenges that mean they're no longer in the best environment . Also , If your aging loved one presents an appearance that's wildly different from their norm , take note . Is your usually well - coiffed mother free of makeup , with hair undone ? Is your grandfather's personal hygiene suffering ? While we all have been past due for a haircut at one time or another , signs of appearing unclean or any significant changes in appearance can be cause for concern . Changes in their ability to move , such as an unsteady gait , hunched back or shuffling feet are troubling signs they're having physical challenges , and this can be especially dangerous if they are regularly navigating stairs or still doing outside chores . Additionally , do they have strange bruises or other injuries ? These could suggest a recent spill or even recurring falls . And changes in weight - loss or gain -can be worrisome signs that a checkup and medical intervention may be necessary . Coffee Club at Dunn Brothers ! 2022 EEST OF THE WESTERN EDGE Voted Best Senior Care & Best Place to Work Availability is limited UPCOMING EVENT ! Annual Christmas Light Drive Through Friday , Dec. 16 , 2022 5-7pm Drive through the CountryHouse loop to experience the beautiful Christmas lights , music , hot cocoa and treats from the comfort of your vehicle ! You then will drive right down the block to Evergreen and drive through their loop for even more Christmas cheer and presents for all ! Country House : 628 24th St. West- Dickinson , ND Evergreen : 2143 6th Ave. West - Dickinson , ND COUNTRY HOUSE RESIDENCE for memory care by Agemark Senior Living 628 24th Street West | Dickinson , ND 58601 Please call 701-483-2266 for more information , or email Amanda Wilson awilson@countryhouse.net