By Kimberly Knight
When I started thinking about caring for my own mother as she got older, I’ll admit I was a little nervous.
Although I’m a social worker and aware of community resources, it doesn’t make the emotions of caring for aging parents any easier. And it made me wonder if other people know what signs to look for that indicate when a loved one needs a little extra help.
Often, the signs can be subtle, but paying close attention to these changes is a loving way to ensure your parents’ safety and well-being, while still respecting their independence. Here are five key areas to know if your aging parents may need a helping hand with day-to-day living.
1. Changes in activities of daily living
This is often one of the most telling signs. Pay attention to basic self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, and preparing meals. Changes in your parents’ personal appearance or eating habits may signal they are beginning to struggle with these essential daily activities.
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2. An unsafe or unkempt home environment
Look around their living space. Is there an unusual amount of clutter or a general lack of cleanliness? Are there potential safety hazards, like an overflowing trash bin that could cause a fall?
3. Difficulty managing finances and medications
If you’re noticing unopened bills stacking up on the table, or your parents seem confused about their finances, it’s a significant red flag. Another serious concern is medication management. Are they having trouble remembering to take their prescriptions? This can pose a serious risk to their health and is a clear sign they need support.
4. Changes in driving habits
Safe driving is crucial for your parents and others on the road. If you spot new dings on their car, or if they mention getting lost on a familiar route, it’s a sign that their driving abilities may be declining, and it may be time to explore alternative transportation options.
5. Social isolation and shifts in mood
Have you noticed your parents withdraw from hobbies or social events they once loved? Do they seem more sad, withdrawn, or irritable than usual? This isolation can lead to depression, making it crucial to engage with them and explore ways to keep them connected to friends and community.
Next steps
Noticing these signs is a loving and proactive step. It’s an opportunity to start a conversation about what kind of help would be most beneficial — not to take away their independence, but to ensure their safety and dignity as aging parents.
There’s no need to face those questions alone. Contact The Senior Source’s Caregiver Support Program at 214-823-5700 or [email protected] If you need help or have questions.
Kimberly Knight, director of The Senior Source’s Caregiver Support Program, is a Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer (CADDCT) and Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP). The Senior Source assists approximately 25,000 older adults and their families each year. Learn more at theseniorsource.org.
