From mood changes, spoiled food to living in the same pair of pajamas, certain signs suggest an aging family member needs help right away. Common warning signs that may signal trouble:
- Bounced checks, calls from collections, and late payment notices. Are bills being paid late or not at all?
- 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. Is food collecting dust on the counter or making the fridge and house smell?
- 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? Is trash piling up outside?
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies they once enjoyed.
- 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 notice 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. 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?
If you notice any of these signs, write down your concerns. Talk with your relatives or even plan an elder care family meeting. Consider talking with someone who can provide resources. ADMT Solutions Home Health has an experienced Social Worker who can provide resources for you and your loved one at no cost.
For more information, call us at 210-729-1252 or email [email protected]