18 Signs Your Ageing Parent Needs Help
Distinguished • November 16, 2022
From spoiled food to living in the same pair of pyjamas, certain signs can suggest an aging parent needs help now.
No one knows your parents or loved ones like you do — still, it’s helpful to know common warning signs that may signal trouble or the need for a little extra support.
- Bounced checks, calls from collections, and late payment notices
Are they paying bills late or not paying them at all? Are collection companies calling? - 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, such as light bulbs or smoke alarms, breaking or not being tended to? - 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 unrecognizable? - Confusion and uncertainty when performing familiar tasks
Do your parents seem unsure about how to complete daily chores or tasks such as laundry, vacuuming, or washing dishes? - Feeling depressed or having little to no energy
Has your parent’s demeanor noticeably changed? Do they smile or laugh like they used to? - Wearing disheveled or tattered clothing
Do your parents regularly neglect their appearance? Are their clothes worn or dirty? - Keeping expired groceries
Is food collecting mold on the counter or making the fridge and house smell? - Forgetfulness
Are they losing or misplacing keys, wallets, or other important items? - Improper medication management
Are there full bottles of prescription pills in medicine cabinets? - Leaving house or yard maintenance unattended
Are weeds growing uncontrollably? 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
Are they eating much less or consuming only fast food or prepackaged snacks? - Poor personal hygiene
Do they have bad breath or body odor more often? - Trouble getting up from a seated position
Are they struggling to sit or stand? - Frequent injuries or bruising
Do they have unexplained and more frequent bruises, scratches, or cuts? - 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, it may be helpful to write down your concerns. Talking with your siblings and other relatives, or perhaps planning an elder care family meeting, can be extremely helpful. The Distinguished team are always on hand to offer any additional advice and manage any support plans that may be required.
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