From the Years of Status Quo to Red Flags

Posted on December 6, 2022

Celebrating long-standing traditions as family gathers at Mom and Dad’s house during the holidays, is also the ideal opportunity to notice things that some things seem “off.” Getting old isn’t easy. Family gathering is time to observe for clues – mostly subtle, occasionally . . . significant, to and take note as to what may be in store down the road as needs emerge. 8 Signs Mom, Dad or Both - Could Benefit from More Help at Home

From the Years of Status Quo to Red Flags

Celebrating long-standing traditions as family gathers at Mom and Dad’s house during the holidays, is also the ideal opportunity to notice things that some things seem “off.”

Getting old isn’t easy. Family gathering is time to observe for clues – mostly subtle, occasionally . . . significant, to and take note as to what may be in store down the road as needs emerge.

8 Signs Mom, Dad or Both - Could Benefit from More Help at Home

1. A Cluttered House
Has the inside of their home become uncharacteristically disorganized or unkept? Are dirty dishes and laundry beginning to pile up? Not to be written off as laziness, especially if your loved one is a typically organized person. An unkempt home may indicate their physical health is holding them back from keeping up with the usual housework.

2. Change in Eating Habits

Any changes in eating habits, disinterest in food or a poorly stocked refrigerator, noticeable weight loss or gain. Preparing a healthy meal can be overwhelming for anyone having difficulty shipping, deciding what to prepare, then actually cooking can be overwhelming.

3. Decline in Hygiene

Not bathing for a day or two is normal. Skipping a week or more without notice bears investigation. Has there been a scare or injury from a slip and fall in the shower, or difficulty getting into or out of the tub?

4. Unpaid Bills and/or Missed Medication

Are they paying bills late or not paying them at all? Are there full bottles of prescription medicine around the house? Not only could these behaviors lead to household emergencies or very serious medical complications they could also early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

5. Decreased Mobility or Signs of a Fall
Do they have difficulty getting up from being seated or standing for long periods of time? Do they have bruises or wounds that could point to a recent fall? One in four adults ages 65 and over fall each year. Assessing common home safety pitfalls and having more help at home can prevent falls.

6. Misplaced Vital Items
Leaving important items like a walker or housekeys behind in a restaurant or retail store can indicate cognitive decline and the need for more support like what a home health aide or other care professional can provide.

7. Loss of Interest in Hobbies

Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable, perhaps due to illness, chronic pain or physicial disability is cause for concern. Once active adults have trouble in favored activities is another sign of depression.

8. Mysterious Car Dents
Are you finding unexplained dents or scratches on their car? Are they getting into more accidents on the road? Evidence of this damage could mean their ability to drive is waning and is a serious threat to their safety as well as other drivers. Telling your loved one it’s time to give up the keys is hard but may be a necessary conversation.

The older our parents get, the harder it becomes that will remain active in daily activities and accomplishing daily tasks. Any signs of decline should trigger a a discussion about the type(s) of support your aging loved one needs. Begin to figure out how to plan and build support for aging parents or other family members as well as for each other.

While these conversations can be tough, they’re intended to keep Mom, Dad or both safe and well. Acknowledge what you’ve observed in a nonconfrontational way emphasizing the goal of keeping older loved ones safe and help them maintain their independence, while also giving family members peace of mind.

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