As people age, changes in health, mood, and daily functioning can sometimes signal that they need more support. These signs don’t always mean someone must move to a higher level of care, but they are worth paying attention to.
5 signs an older adult may need more care and attention
- Changes in personal hygiene
- Wearing the same clothes repeatedly
- Skipping bathing, brushing teeth, or grooming
- Difficulty managing toileting or continence
- Problems with eating or weight changes
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Spoiled food at home
- Forgetting meals or losing interest in cooking
- Increasing forgetfulness or confusion
- Missing appointments or medications
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Repeating the same questions frequently
- Trouble managing bills or finances
- Decline in mobility or safety
- Frequent falls or near-falls
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair
- New problems with driving or household safety
- Changes in mood or social behavior
- Increased isolation
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
- Unusual anxiety, sadness, irritability, or personality changes
Other warning signs to take seriously
- Medication mistakes
- Unexplained bruises or injuries
- Neglect of household tasks
- Sudden confusion or a rapid change in behavior (which can require prompt medical evaluation)
A helpful approach is to discuss concerns with the older adult, involve trusted family members if appropriate, and consider support options such as home assistance, medication help, transportation, or a medical evaluation.
If you’re noticing changes in a specific person, tell me their age, what changes you’ve seen, and how quickly they started, and I can help you think through what level of support may be appropriate.
