Signs your aging parent may need help
No one knows your parents or loved ones like you do — something unusual for them may be an everyday situation at your friend’s parents’ home. Still, it’s helpful to know the common warning signs that may signal trouble, especially now, since coronavirus may keep your loved ones more isolated.
Can you relate to any of the following?
- Bounced checks, calls from collections, and late payment notices
Are bills being paid late or not at all? Are there messages from collection companies? - Broken or damaged appliances and fixtures
Have they stopped cooking or maintaining a regular meal schedule because their kitchen appliances don’t work? Are important items breaking and/or not being tended to, such as light bulbs or smoke alarms? - Changes in mood or extreme mood swings
Are your parents acting differently toward you, friends or even strangers? - Cluttered, dirty or disorganized house
Is the home beginning to look and feel different, or even unrecognizable? - Confusion and uncertainty when performing familiar tasks
Do your parents seem uncertain how to complete daily chores or tasks such as laundry, vacuuming or washing dishes? - Feeling depressed or having little to no energy
Is there a noticeable change in your parents’ demeanor? Do they smile or laugh like they used to? - Wearing disheveled or tattered clothing
Is there a distinguishable difference in your parents’ appearance? Are their clothes worn or dirty? - Keeping expired groceries and not throwing them away
Is food collecting dust on the counter or making the fridge and house smell? - Forgetfulness
Are they losing or misplacing keys, wallets or other important items? - Forgetting to take medications
Are there full bottles of prescription pills in medicine cabinets? - Leaving the house or yard maintenance unattended
Are weeds growing uncontrolled or is trash piling up outside? - Loss of interest in activities or hobbies they once enjoyed
When was the last time they did something they loved? - Missing important appointments
Are they frequently rescheduling missed appointments, or simply not showing up? - Weight loss or poor dieting habits
Have you noticed they’re eating less, or consuming only fast food or prepackaged snacks? - Poor personal hygiene
Do you frequently notice bad breath or body odor? - Trouble getting up from a seated position
Are they struggling to sit or stand? - Frequent injuries or bruising
Have you seen bruises, scratches or cuts appearing more often without any reason or an explanation? - Unexplained dents or damage on their car
Are they getting into more accidents? In general, are they not paying attention to their car or safety?
If you notice any of these signs, or if you believe your loved one’s health or happiness is at risk, it’s time to have an open and caring conversation about it. Forever Home Placement Services can help you and your family have a constructive, honest talk.
A variety of care options are available for your aging parents, such as assisted living or memory care. Our online guide to Senior Housing and Care provides additional housing options, the services included and cost information.
If you’d like to talk through any aspect of senior living, our senior living advisors are up-to-date on the latest steps senior living communities are taking to eliminate the risk of coronavirus, and how they are creating the safest possible environment for seniors.