18 Signs Your Ageing Parent Needs Help

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.

1. Bounced checks, calls from collections, and late payment notices
   Are they paying bills late or not paying them at all? Are collection companies calling?
2. 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?
3. Changes in mood or extreme mood swings
   Are your parents acting differently toward you, friends, or even strangers?
4. Cluttered, dirty, or disorganized house
   Is the home beginning to look and feel different or unrecognizable?
5. 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?
6. Feeling depressed or having little to no energy
   Has your parent’s demeanor noticeably changed? Do they smile or laugh like they used to?
7. Wearing disheveled or tattered clothing
   Do your parents regularly neglect their appearance? Are their clothes worn or dirty?
8. Keeping expired groceries
   Is food collecting mold on the counter or making the fridge and house smell?
9. Forgetfulness
   Are they losing or misplacing keys, wallets, or other important items?
10. Improper medication management
    Are there full bottles of prescription pills in medicine cabinets?
11. Leaving house or yard maintenance unattended
    Are weeds growing uncontrollably? Is trash piling up outside?
12. Loss of interest in activities or hobbies they once enjoyed
    When was the last time they did something they loved?
13. Missing important appointments
    Are they frequently rescheduling missed appointments or simply not showing up?
14. Weight loss or poor dieting habits
    Are they eating much less or consuming only fast food or prepackaged snacks?
15. Poor personal hygiene
    Do they have bad breath or body odor more often?
16. Trouble getting up from a seated position
    Are they struggling to sit or stand?
17. Frequent injuries or bruising
    Do they have unexplained and more frequent bruises, scratches, or cuts?
18. 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.