Signs Your Aging Parent Needs Help at Home 

Gradual changes in an aging parent can be difficult to recognize when you’re around them frequently. However, family members who visit only occasionally may notice changes more quickly. If a recent visit raised concerns, it may be worth discussing additional support or home care options. 

Trouble Keeping Up With Medications 

Difficulty keeping up with medications can be an early indication that an older parent may need additional support at home. Because these changes often happen gradually, they can easily overlook it during a short visit. Look for untouched doses, pills disappearing too quickly, overdue prescription refills, or bottles that are expired or contain duplicate medications. 

Managing several prescriptions can become increasingly difficult with age. Forgetting a dose, taking too much, or mixing medications can happen when memory, vision, or the ability to follow a complicated schedule begins to decline. 

Struggling With Daily Hygiene 

If your parents were once very careful about their appearance but have started wearing the same clothes repeatedly, avoiding showers, or neglecting their hair and nails, it may be a sign that they’re having difficulty managing daily routines. While this can be difficult for families to notice, it’s an important change to pay attention to. 

Changes in personal care are often accompanied by other signs of self-neglect, such as problems with meals, household upkeep, or staying organized. Taken together, these changes may indicate that your parents could benefit from additional support at home. 

Injuries With No Clear Explanation 

Unexplained bruises, especially on the arms, hips, or legs, deserve attention. They could be the result of a fall that your parents either forgot about or didn’t tell you about because they didn’t want you to worry. 

Pulling Away From Social Activities and Hobbies 

If your parents once enjoyed weekly golf, regularly attended church, or frequently stayed in touch with friends but has suddenly stopped participating, it’s worth paying attention.Pulling away from favorite activities can be linked to mobility challenges, hearing difficulties, depression, or early changes in memory and thinking. 

Social isolation can also create a cycle of its own. The less connected someone becomes, the more likely they may be to experience declines in their physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. 

Changes in Mobility or Balance 

Pay attention to how your parents move around their home. Are they holding onto furniture for support, struggling with stairs, or appearing unsteady on their feet? Maybe they’ve started using a cane or walker—or seem to need one but aren’t using it. 

Changes in balance and mobility can be a strong warning sign, especially because they increase the risk of falls. Difficulty moving around can also make everyday activities such as bathing, preparing meals, cleaning, and getting to appointments much more challenging. These changes may indicate that your parents could benefit from additional support at home. 

If you’re unsure which type of care is right for your loved one, speaking with a care provider can help you understand your options and choose the support that best fits your needs. For other questions, please visit our website at Greater Temecula Providing Caregivers | Griswold (griswoldcare.com), call/text at 951-346-1352, or email at nolan.chandler@griswoldhomecare.com.