Home Helpers

Ten Signs Your Parents Might Need Assistance - Trust Your Instincts

If you are concerned that your loved one may be struggling unnecessarily, it is better to be proactive and help them ease into a transition smoothly before it becomes a crisis. The following is a list of indicators to help family members and friends quickly assess a loved one's condition, identify potential areas of concern and make important caregiving decisions:

1. Medical Condition: A recently diagnosed disease, illness or injury could affect your loved ones' ability to function on a daily basis.

2. Driving: If your loved one's vision, hearing and/or reflexes are impaired, this may increase their risk for being involved in a car accident.

3. Food/Nutrition: Take note of your loved one's diet to ensure that they are eating well-balanced meals and maintaining a steady weight. Is the food in the refrigerator within its expiration date?

4. Hygiene: Take note of your loved one's overall appearance, smell and ability to wear suitable clothing for the weather. Are the bed linens, bath towels and laundry clean?

5. Behavior: Is your loved one anxious, irritable or depressed? Do they have difficulty remembering names, places and current events?

6. Daily Tasks: Are basic tasks, such as going grocery shopping and preparing meals, becoming overly challenging or time consuming?

7. Medication: Is your loved one able to manage his or her medications properly, including dosage, frequency and changes to prescriptions? Are prescriptions being filled in a timely manner?

8. Finances: Is your loved one able to manage their own personal finances, pay bills and balance the checkbook?

9. Mail: Is the mail stacking up? Do you see past due or delinquency notices?

10. Safety: Does your loved one remember to turn off appliances and extinguish candles or cigarettes? Does he or she keep the doors and windows locked?

If you have concerns, even with one issue, it may be time to take a more proactive role in your loved one's life. Trust your instincts. Know your options. There are some simple things that can be done to ensure that people can remain safely at home. We would be happy to help you understand these issues further, and provide you with some help for your loved one.