Does mom or dad need help?

Often the first signs an aging parent needs a little help aren’t big and dramatic like a fall or a major health scare. Instead, it’s a collection of small things that are easy for families to explain away. A parent’s decline is never easy.

Maybe one day you open Mom’s fridge and notice expired food, or no fresh food. Reading expiration dates may be getting difficult, preparing meals may feel overwhelming or she might be skipping meals altogether.

Another place to keep an eye on is medications. A pill organizer that’s still full, unopened prescription bottles or confusion about what was taken can lead to skipped or double doses and become a serious health risk.

We find that isolation itself can be a subtle sign they need a little intervention. Maybe Dad has stopped going to church or meeting up with friends. 

Wearing the same clothes repeatedly can tell you laundry may have become difficult or memory is slipping.

The important thing is not to overreact to one sign but start paying attention. Stepping in early can prevent small problems from becoming big ones, like falls, hospital stays or a move out of the home.

At Seniors Helping Seniors, we often start small. Maybe someone just needs a ride to an appointment, help preparing meals or someone to sit down and have coffee with. Since our caregivers are seniors themselves, they understand what people are experiencing.

If you’re noticing any of these signs, now may be the easiest time to act. Support can be as little or as much as someone needs.

Getting help early doesn’t mean giving up independence. It’s one of the best ways to keep it.

Headquartered in Wickliffe, Seniors Helping Seniors serves seniors in Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties. In-home services include safety and fall prevention, medication reminders, long-distance check-ins, daily living needs like getting dressed, running errands, transportation to appointments, companionship socialization, meal prep, shopping, light housekeeping and pet care. Visit SeniorCareNEO.com or call 440-494-8156 for more information. The agency accepts Veterans benefits, long-term care insurance and private pay.