Signs It’s Time to Get Help For Your Aging Loved One

Admitting the need for help is difficult at any age and one of the most difficult things to judge is exactly when someone may no longer be able to care for themselves by themselves. This may be especially when that person is your closest loved ones.

But the responsibility often falls on family members to recognize the signs that an aging loved one might need more support with daily living tasks. So how do you know when it is time to get help?

The answer is likely right in front of your eyes – in their appearance and around their house. Not sure what to signs look for? Some common red flags are listed below:

Personal Appearance and Hygiene

  • Difficulty standing up straight, frequently bent over or leaning to one side
  • Sudden weight loss or gain
  • Shuffling when walking rather than stepping
  • Infrequent showering or bathing
  • The smell of urine within the house or on clothing
  • Difficulty with clothing, including using buttons and zippers
  • Trouble getting up from a seated position
  • Difficulty with walking, balance and mobility
  • Unexplained bruising or injuries
  • New or numerous marks or wear on walls, door jams, furniture and other items that may be used to assist with stability and walking throughout the home
  • Mental Status

  • Difficulty keeping track of time, such as sleeping for most of the day
  • Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
  • Changes in mood or extreme mood swings
  • Forgetfulness, such as forgetting to take medications or taking incorrect dosages
  • Uncertainty and confusion when performing once-familiar tasks
  • Consistent use of poor judgment, such as falling for scams or giving away money to sketchy sources
  • Household Chores and Responsibilities

  • Increased clutter or difficulty putting things away the way they used to be
  • Medication is no longer stored properly and may not be taken as prescribed
  • Decreased amount of fresh food and/or increased amount of spoiled food in the refrigerator
  • Dirty laundry pilling up or difficulty using the washer/dryer
  • Piles of unopened mail or overflowing mailbox
  • Unpaid bills, late payment notices, bounced checks or checks written to pay bills but never sent
  • Lack of food in refrigerator and pantries
  • Increased amount of stains on furniture or carpet
  • Decreased maintenance inside and outside home, such as not replacing burned out light bulbs, lawn is not mowed
  • Vehicle and Driving

  • Unexplained dents and scratches on the car
  • Vehicle not properly maintained, such as lapse in registration, large discrepancy between change-oil sticker vs. current mileage
  • Difficulty getting in and out of the vehicle
  • Driving too slowly, decreased reaction time
  • Confusion or forgetting route or destination
  • Trouble parking
  • Lack of confidence driving, especially driving at highway speed and/or at night
  • Care Options
    Even if you see the aforementioned signs, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is required to move your loved one into assisted living or a nursing home. However, these red flags do indicate that more supportive care is needed. The signs should be used as a guide and a starting point in the process of determining whether home care or a higher level of care would be best and to help you make informed and confident decisions.

    Our caring and knowledgeable staff at ElderLink can help you determine exactly the level and what kind of support your loved one needs as well as help you find elder care services providers throughout California.