Signs That an Older Adult Needs Help
February 6, 2025
The holidays are often when we gather with loved ones, whether in our homes here in Marysville 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. If you are unaware of what normal aging is and what could be considered cognitive decline, Fieldstone of Marysville Community Relations Director Maricel Halmo offers some advice.
“Getting lost while driving or not being able to find their way around can be a sign of memory loss,” Halmo said. “If you don’t feel safe as a passenger when they are driving, that’s probably a good sign that they should not be driving anymore.”
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.
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.
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.
“Unfortunately, a lot of times people dealing with cognitive decline will try to hide some of those things that they are struggling with,” Halmo explained. But she urges families who are questioning if their loved ones need assistance to trust their intuition. “People are usually familiar with the baseline levels of their loved one’s abilities,” Halmo said.
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.
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.
The communal nature of the neighborhood at Fieldstone of Marysville offers seniors with cognitive issues many opportunities for socialization and activities, both of which help them maintain health and a sense of independence.
“Having friends around and people to talk to, having family and friends come to visit can really help someone in Memory Care feel a sense of purpose,” Halmo said.
If your loved one is exhibiting some of the signs above, 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.
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.