Families Urged to Look Out for Signs Seniors Need Help

By Frank Graff

It’s heartbreaking and overwhelming to watch your elderly loved one decline into someone who needs constant care. But with 36 million seniors living in the U.S. and the elderly population projected to double, caring for a senior loved one is a reality most people will face. That’s why Senior Helpers, a leading provider of in home senior care, advises family members to learn the signs your senior relative needs assistance.

It’s much better to arrange for help for elderly family members while they can still be part of the process rather than during a crisis because it gives everyone time to make thoughtful decisions. Seniors often believe getting help means moving out of their house and that’s where the resistance to any kind of help comes in. But many times in home care is a better option.

Senior Helpers’ elderly care experts remind people to respect a senior family member’s pride and dignity when discussing the need for assistance. Approach the topic with respect and understanding and express concern for the family member’s safety. The warning signs could be an indication of many issues, so if there’s a health concern it’s important to contact a doctor.

10 WARNING SIGNS A SENIOR RELATIVE NEEDS ASSISTANCE.

• The house is cold, the telephone is cut off.• Losing track in a conversation, forgetting the names of children, grandchildren, the day

of the week, etc. • The death of a spouse. • The refrigerator and cupboards are half empty even though you know the relative can

still get out. • Personal hygiene is poor. • Constantly making excuses when asked to go somewhere or do something, or wanting

to be alone. • Sudden weight loss. • Never cleaning or delaying home repairs.• Failure to take prescribed medications. • Behavior changes.

The best way to keep track of a senior family member’s situation is to keep in touch with them—and this is one time where being nosy is justified. Visit or call often and use one of the warning signs as a way to approach the topic if needed. If you can’t be there, hire an in home caregiver.