Warning Signs That an Aging Parent Needs Help at Home

Increasing the Level of Care of a Loved One

Look for these red flags as common indicators that a senior may need some form of assistance.

1. Difficulty Performing Routine Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s). This includes:

• Bathing.
• Dressing and grooming.
• Toileting.
• Continence.
• Transferring or moving from place to place (e.g., moving from the bed to a chair).
• Eating.

2. Difficulty Performing Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL’s). This includes:

• Ability to Use Telephone.
• Shopping.
• Food Preparation.
• Housekeeping.
• Laundry.
• Mode of Transportation.
• Responsibility for Own Medication.
• Ability to Handle Finance.

3. Exhibiting Symptoms of Depression. This includes:

• Dissatisfaction with life.
• Withdrawal from activities or interests.
• Excessive boredom.
• Feeling helpless/hopeless.
• Mood related lethargy or lack of energy.