Your loved one may not admit or realize they need help. So, it is often up to a family member to notice signs of impairment and difficulty performing routine activities for daily living.  

 

Here are signs that your loved one may need some additional in home help. 

• Difficulty keeping track of time

• Over-sleeping 

• Poor diet or weight loss

• Extreme mood swings 

• Loss of interest in activities

• Difficulty standing up or walking, balance and mobility

• Unexplained bruising or injuries

• Marks on walls, furniture being used to help with stability 

• Uncertainty when conducting tasks (e.g. forgetting to take medications, taking incorrect dosages, or missing important appointments)

• Continuously using of poor judgment (e.g. falling for scams, giving away money)

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Poor Hygiene

• Unpleasant body odor

• Smell of urine in the house or clothing

• Decline in grooming and personal care (e.g. unwashed hair, untrimmed nails, lack of oral care, dirty clothing)

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Neglecting Responsibilities

• Little or no fresh food in the fridge

• Dirty house and/or extreme clutter

• Dirty laundry 

• Stains on furniture or carpet

• Spoiled food 

• Piles of unopened mail full of payment notices, bill collectors, etc.

• Signs of unsafe driving; unexplained dents on the car