Solterra Senior Living Blog

Trying to figure out when your parents need a little more help can be confusing and terrifying.  No one wants to come to terms with the fact that their parents can no longer be fully independent. In this situation, children of aging parents need to trust their instincts when it comes to decision making.  When you start seeing warning signs, take action.  An older person’s health can change without warning and as we age, we come to a point where we aren’t getting around as well as we used to and may also begin to forget things.  At first it might be something as simple as not putting the milk back into the refrigerator, but could also be as important as forgetting to take medication. 

Below are 10 points that may help those trying to decide whether or not they need to step in and give their parents a little extra help:

1. They are having trouble driving, either they have been in an accident or received tickets recently.
2. Forgetting important tasks such as taking medication
3. They display poor hygiene: clothes are dirty and they are not groomed
4. They have recently fallen or injured themselves. 
5. They are no longer keeping up with household chores
6. They are eating poorly or not eating at all
7.  They have become confused and/or depressed
8. They are not keeping track of their finances
9. They have stopped talking to friends and family/not participating in hobbies
10. They cannot control their bowels/bladder

If you are noticing any of the above, it is time to have a discussion with your loved one and perhaps make an appointment for further evaluation.  This way, it doesn’t seem as if you are the one taking their independence away.  Instead, they will be hearing from either a physician, or other professional.  Be sure to involve your parents as much as possible in any decisions that are made. The purpose of the assessment is to get a better understanding of their physical and mental health and what can be done to improve their quality of life.