How To Tell That Your Aging Parent Needs Help at Home

Watching a parent go through health issues as they age can be difficult. You worry about them and want the best for them. Whether you live in the same city and see them frequently or you live in a state far away, there are things you can look for when you visit to help determine whether they would benefit from assistance with household tasks and other activities of daily living.

First: Where To Look for Signs

There may be clues in several areas of the home that may signify help is needed. Here are some specific areas to pay attention to.

• The kitchen is a good place to start. If expired food is in the fridge and pantry, it may indicate that your parent isn’t eating right or is having trouble managing grocery shopping. Are there dirty dishes in the sink or on the counter? Are crumbs littering the floor? Are there burned-out overhead lights? Is the trash can overflowing? Any of these could be signs that your aging parent is overwhelmed and unable to keep up with household tasks.
• Bathrooms can reveal several things. Is there clutter on the countertop? Are there dirty towels and clothing on the floor? Does it appear that the toilet hasn’t been cleaned in a while? Is there grime and soap scum in the tub or shower? Are there outdated prescription bottles?
• What does the primary bedroom look like? Are there dirty clothes on the furniture and floor? Is the laundry hamper overflowing? Is the bedding dirty? Are there stacks of unopened mail on the desk, including credit card bills and investment notifications? Any of these issues may indicate that your aging parent is having difficulty keeping up with housekeeping and finances.
• If you see your parent often, you may not notice small changes in their appearance. But you can notice changes in their weight or how their clothes fit and their overall hygiene. Are they wearing dirty clothes? Is their clothing buttoned and in good condition? Do their nails need trimming? Do they have bruises or injuries, perhaps from a fall?

All of the above are signs that your parent may no longer be able to manage the activities of daily living on their own.

Second: Listen for More Clues

You could be busy raising kids and dealing with your job, so your visits might be rushed, and your mind may be elsewhere. You hear your parent, but are you truly listening to them to better understand their needs? There are both verbal and nonverbal cues that may indicate your aging parent needs help. It’s essential to listen attentively to their words and watch for nonverbal signals. They might express feelings of loneliness, frustration, or confusion that can indicate underlying issues. Changes in tone, hesitations, or repeated concerns about certain topics may reveal more than what they explicitly state.

So, the next time you visit Mom or Dad, pay special attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues. Maintaining an active awareness of their living conditions and physical appearance, along with attentiveness to verbal and nonverbal signals, is crucial in identifying their need for help. By staying observant and engaged during your visits, you can ensure Mom or Dad gets the support and care they need to continue living safely and comfortably.

Third: General Signs Care May Be Needed

Six general signs can signify that your aging parent may need help. They are:

1. Forgetting or having difficulty recalling information.
2. Neglecting personal care, including hygiene and nutrition.
3. Withdrawing from social interactions or relationships.
4. Mismanaging finances or not paying bills.
5. Displaying unusual behavior, such as being overly quiet, loud, or agitated.
6. Struggling with mobility or household chores.

How Right at Home Can Help

Aging, disability, illness, or injury can make living at home challenging, but Right at Home can help you navigate every step of the journey. Our professional caregivers are passionate about helping older adults live safely and successfully at home, wherever home may be. We also offer tips, information, and resources to help family caregivers. Download our complimentary Adult Caregiving Guide today, or use our location finder to contact the office nearest you and schedule a free in-home assessment.

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