Warning Signs for Additional Support

Red Flags That May Indicate Your Loved One Needs More Care or Assistance

As your loved one ages, it’s important to stay vigilant about any changes in their health, behavior, or daily functioning. Here are some red flags to watch for, which may indicate that they need more care to ensure their safety and well-being:

1. Decline in Personal Hygiene

• Poor grooming or unkempt appearance: Unshaved, unbrushed hair, and dirty clothing.

• Body odor: An inability or unwillingness to bathe or clean themselves.

• Dental hygiene neglect: Missing or rotting teeth, bad breath, or neglected dental care.

2. Difficulty with Mobility

• Frequent falls or near falls: Tripping, stumbling, or losing balance.

• Inability to walk unaided: Requiring assistance to move around or navigate stairs.

• Loss of coordination: Trouble walking, getting out of bed, or performing basic tasks like opening doors or using utensils.

3. Unexplained Weight Loss or Poor Appetite

• Significant weight loss: Losing more than 5% of body weight in a short time.

• Loss of appetite: Not eating or showing little interest in food, which can lead to malnutrition.

• Difficulty swallowing: Complaints of food sticking in the throat or difficulty chewing.

4. Memory or Cognitive Decline

• Confusion or forgetfulness: Forgetting names, dates, or familiar locations.

• Inability to remember medications: Forgetting to take or mismanaging prescription medications.

• Disorientation: Getting lost in familiar places or forgetting where they are.

• Frequent repetition: Asking the same question multiple times or repeating actions.

5. Changes in Behavior or Mood

• Depression or withdrawal: Expressing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or isolation.

• Increased irritability or aggression: Mood swings or sudden outbursts of anger or frustration.

• Social withdrawal: Losing interest in hobbies, socializing, or attending family events.

• Sleep disturbances: Sleeping too much or having trouble falling or staying asleep.

6. Safety Concerns in the Home

• Unpaid bills or financial neglect: Piles of unpaid bills or overdue notices.

• Inability to manage daily tasks: Struggling with cooking, cleaning, or maintaining a safe living environment.

• Home hazards: Increased clutter, burns on kitchen appliances, or a messy and unsafe living environment.

• Failure to maintain a safe environment: Leaving the stove on, forgetting to lock doors, or mishandling heating appliances.

7. Health Issues or Medical Concerns

• Chronic medical conditions worsening: Untreated or unmanaged health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or arthritis.

• Frequent hospitalizations: Regular visits to the hospital due to untreated medical conditions or falls.

• Changes in skin condition: Unexplained bruises, cuts, or sores that don’t heal properly.

• Difficulty managing medications: Taking the wrong dosage or mixing up prescriptions.

8. Neglected Household Responsibilities

• Dirty or disorganized home: Noticeable clutter, neglecting laundry or cleaning.

• Unpaid utility bills or overdue rent: Forgetting to pay bills, resulting in service interruptions.

• Expired or spoiled food: Having expired or spoiled food in the refrigerator and pantry, or failing to prepare meals.

9. Decreased Engagement with Family and Friends

• Lack of communication: Not answering the phone or returning calls.

• Refusal to accept help: Ignoring offers for help or becoming defensive when assistance is offered.

• Avoiding social activities: Suddenly not attending family gatherings, social functions, or engaging with close friends.

10. Unexplained Symptoms or Behavioral Changes

• Complaints of pain: Frequent complaints about pain or discomfort, such as joint or muscle pain.

• Changes in personal habits: Drastic changes in eating, sleeping, or toileting habits.

• Hoarding behaviors: Accumulating items or clutter in ways that make the home unsafe or unlivable.

• Sudden financial issues: Spending money excessively or making unusual financial decisions without clear reasoning.

What to Do Next

If you recognize any of these red flags in your loved one, it may be time to consider options for additional care or assistance. Contact a professional placement agency to discuss the right care solutions, including assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing facilities, tailored to your loved one’s unique needs.