What are the signs a parent needs more help at home?
From MyIntel. Updated .
The short answer
Look for changes, not one bad day. Common signs include missed meals or spoiled food, unopened mail or unpaid bills, a home that is less tidy than usual, new bruises or a fall, trouble getting up from a chair, wearing the same clothes, missed medicines and pulling away from friends or activities. One sign is a reason to talk. Several together usually mean it is time to add support.
Signs around the home
- Spoiled food in the fridge or very little food in the house.
- Piles of unopened mail, late notices or unpaid bills.
- A home that is much messier than it used to be.
- Burned pots, dents on the car or scorch marks.
Signs in how they move and feel
- New bruises, a fall or a near fall they mention in passing.
- Holding on to furniture to get around, or trouble getting up from a chair.
- Weight loss, wearing the same clothes or less care with bathing.
- Missed medicines or confusion about when to take them.
- Less interest in friends, church, hobbies or getting out of the house.
What to do next
Talk with your parent first, and listen. Ask what feels harder than it used to. Small steps often help a lot: a home safety check, grab bars in the bathroom, a help button answered 24/7 and a regular time to talk. If you see big changes in memory, weight or mood, talk with their doctor.
More help at home does not have to mean moving. Many people stay safely in their own homes for years with the right changes and support.
How MyIntel can help
MyIntel helps older adults in the Denver metro area stay safely at home. A licensed occupational therapist can check the home for fall risks, we set up sensors and a help button for free, the sensors learn the usual day and notice when something changes, and a trained person answers the help button 24/7.
Common questions
Does needing help mean my parent has to move?
Not usually. With the right changes to the home and a way to get help fast, many people keep living safely in their own homes.
How can I tell if my parent is falling when I am not there?
Ask directly, and look for bruises or new caution when walking. Fall sensors and a help button can make sure help comes even when nobody is around.
When should I talk to their doctor?
If you notice big changes in memory, weight, mood or balance, or a fall, let their doctor know.
Questions about your home? Call (720) 989-1123 or send us a note.