Signs That an Older Adult Needs Help
January 31, 2025
The holidays are often when we gather with loved ones, whether in our homes here on Bainbridge Island or with a far-away relative. Sometimes, these annual visits are when we notice that some of our family members are not faring as well as we may have hoped. As our loved ones age, our concern for their well-being and independence naturally increases. Maintaining autonomy is often a priority for them, but certain signs might suggest they need support to ensure their safety and quality of life. Early recognition of these signs is key to providing necessary care. Here are 10 warning signs:
1. Changes in personal hygiene: Noticeable decline in grooming habits, such as unkempt hair, wearing dirty clothes, or body odor, could indicate difficulties with self-care.
2. Unexplained injuries: Be alert to any unexplained marks or wounds, which may be signs of falls or accidents that they are reluctant to mention.
3. Forgetfulness and memory loss: While occasional memory lapses are common, frequent forgetfulness or the inability to recall important dates or repetitive questioning might signal cognitive issues.
4. Unpaid bills and financial issues: Unfortunately, falling victim to financial scams is often one of the first signs of cognitive decline. Look for signs like unpaid bills, overdue payment notices, or piles of unopened mail. Challenges with financial management or unusual spending could suggest it’s time to help manage their finances.
5. Changes in mood or behavior: Watch for significant shifts in mood or behavior, including increased irritability, social withdrawal, or symptoms of depression, which could indicate physical or emotional distress.
“One of the things you can look for is if they are withdrawn from conversations and give very broad, sweeping answers,” said Jaime Bairey, Community Relations Assistant at Fieldstone of Bainbridge. “That can be a sort of masking, a way to hide the fact that they are having problems.”
6. Decline in physical mobility: Observe any difficulty they have in moving around independently. Trouble walking, an unsteady gait, or reluctance to go out might indicate mobility issues or a fear of falling, which can exacerbate health declines due to decreased activity.
7. Spoiled food in the refrigerator: Expired or spoiled food in their home can suggest they are struggling with grocery shopping or meal preparation, pointing to potential nutritional concerns.
“No matter how old you are, many people struggle with making healthy and nutritious food for one,” Bairey said. “The microwave is a great tool, but probably not for every meal. Our residents have a robust menu of options to choose from each week.”
8. Neglected household maintenance: Signs like clutter, unsorted mail, or lack of cleanliness can show difficulties in managing household chores, possibly due to declining physical or cognitive health.
9. Isolation and withdrawal: If your loved one avoids social interactions or has stopped participating in previously enjoyed activities, it could be a sign of loneliness or depression.
“Social isolation and withdrawal can mean they need some help,” she explained. “Even neighbors can notice changes in everyday patterns, such as newspapers or mail piling up outside.”
10. Medication mismanagement: Ensure they manage their medication properly; look for signs like missed doses or confusion over prescriptions, which can pose serious health risks.
If you observe any of these signs, approach your loved one with compassion and understanding. It’s important to recognize that needing assistance in our older years is not a personal failure. Many people can thrive in assisted living or memory care communities.
Initiate open discussions about your observations and express your readiness to help them find appropriate solutions. Options might include hiring in-home care services, arranging regular visits from family members or caregivers, or considering transitions to assisted living or long-term care communities.
“The best part about assisted living is you get to live out your best years doing whatever you want,” Bairey said. “When you are free from being weighed down by those daily obligations that you don’t enjoy, your time is free to practice your hobbies, make new friends, and spend your time however you want.”
Prioritizing the well-being of your loved one means acknowledging when they might need assistance and taking proactive steps to ensure they receive the appropriate care and support. By remaining attentive and responsive to their changing needs, you can help preserve their dignity, independence, and quality of life.