How to Spot When an Older Adult in Your Life May Need Assistance

As loved ones age, it can be difficult to recognize when they need extra support. Monitoring their daily habits and physical and emotional well-being can help identify signs that they may benefit from assistance. Here are some key indicators:

1. Physical Changes: Difficulty moving, frequent falls, or visible pain can suggest a need for mobility aids or a safer home environment.

2. Hygiene and Personal Care: A decline in grooming or hygiene may indicate struggles with daily personal care tasks like bathing or dressing.

3. Home Environment: An untidy home, unpaid bills, or spoiled food could signal trouble managing daily chores or staying organized.

4. Cognitive and Emotional Changes: Memory loss, confusion, or mood swings may be signs of cognitive decline, while social withdrawal could point to emotional struggles.

5. Health Management: Missed medications or doctor’s appointments might mean they need help with health management or transportation.

   
   
   
   

Addressing these early signs can help older adults maintain their independence and safety at home. For more detailed information, check out the article from the National Institute on Aging: Does the Older Adult in Your Life Need Help?.