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.