Next time you are visting a friend or relative, spend some time checking for signs that they might need help. Often times older adults in an effort to remain independent try to hide things that might cause concern for loved ones. Use the list below to help spot issues that might raise a red flag.
a. Daily housework not being performed
i. Tired
ii. Overwhelmed
iii. Forgetting
b. Mail piling up
i. Overwhelmed with amount of mail
ii. Constant letters from people asking for donations
c. Bills not being paid
i. Checking account not balanced
ii. Services being shut off
d. Weight loss
i. Shopping and food preparation not being done
ii. Eating habits changing
e. No food in refrigerator or spoiled food
f. Kitchen in disarray
i. Dishes piling up
ii. Pots with burned bottoms
iii. Water and mildew stains where water was left on
iv. Food left out
g. Poor hygiene
i. Wearing same clothing
ii. Not bathing regularly
h. Inappropriate clothing
i. Unseasonal clothes worn i.e. bathing suit in winter or sweater in the summer
ii. Clothes left off
i. Missing scheduled events
i. Church
ii. Doctors appointments
iii. Medications
j. Acting strange
i. Unusual conversations
ii. Phone calls at odd times
iii. Strange anxiety or nervousness
k. Depression
i. Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, oversleeping, or daytime sleepiness)
ii. Sadness
iii. Fatigue
iv. Abandoning or losing interest in hobbies or other pleasurable pastimes
v. Social withdrawal and isolation (reluctance to be with friends, engage in activities, or leave home)
vi. Weight loss; loss of appetite
vii. Loss of self-worth (worries about being a burden, feelings of worthlessness, self-loathing)
viii. Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
ix. Fixation on death; suicidal thoughts or attempts
If you have concerns feel free to contact our office, 972.318.0161, or visit us online at www.alertresponse.com.
