10 Warning Signs that Mom and Dad may Need Help
By National Association of Geriatric Care Managers

1. Personal Hygiene
Is he shaving? Does she shower less frequently, wear dirty clothes, or have neglected teeth? Are there any injuries that you can see? Is there a urine smell?

2. Forgetfulness
Are there stacks of unopened mail or newspapers, unpaid bills, unfilled prescriptions or missed appointment slips?

3. Interaction/Behavior
Does she constantly repeat questions? Can he carry on an extended conversation? Does he refuse any suggestion or does he just agree with everything said? Does he retain what was said? Are there any apparent mood swings? Is he unusually loud or quiet? Is she angry? Making phone calls at all hours of the night?

4. Relationships
Do friends call? Have relationships changed in such a way that friends and neighbors have expressed concerns? Has she quit socializing or participating, when she has always kept those fun appointments?

5. Mobility/Medication
Can she get around? Can he take medications without supervision? What are the medications? Who goes to the doctor with him? Is he going to the doctor at all or does she refuse to go?

6. Refrigerator/Eating Habits
Does it contain adequate food? Is there any spoiled food present? Have his eating habits changed? Has she lost weight? Has she missed meals or have a lack of appetite?

7. Shopping
Can he determine tips or does he have difficulty? Any problems making change, writing checks?

8. Buying things he doesn't need
Is there evidence of excessive shopping, ordering. Is the mail full of charitable letters, a sign that he is giving out money to anyone who asks?

9. House
Does it look maintained, or is it in disrepair? Is dust accumulating where (at one time) she was a great housekeeper? Is trash accumulating?

10. Driving
Can he drive safely? Is her reaction time adequate on the road? Any signs of an accident?

2015 © Elysian Senior Services Inc. All Rights Reserved