Signs It's Time for More Help
Many families wait until a fall, hospitalization, or emergency occurs before taking action. The signs below often appear months or years before a major crisis and can provide an opportunity to plan ahead.
Simple Answer
If you're noticing changes in memory, safety, daily activities, or decision-making, it may be time to start planning before a crisis forces a decision.
Five Signs It May Be Time for More Help
Unfortunately, there's rarely an "a-ha moment" that tells a family it's time for more help; nor does It come from a doctor. Instead, you’ll notice things over time and concerns tend to build slowly until it becomes clear that something needs to change. Some of the instances I’ve encountered are…
Memory Changes Are Becoming More Frequent with things like…
Forgetting names or appointments
Getting confused in familiar places
Related Resources:
Repeating the same questions
Misplacing items more often
Memory Changes
Daily Tasks Are Becoming More Difficult as you notice…
Difficulty preparing meals
Neglected housekeeping
Related Resources
Living Alone
Unopened mail piling up
Missed bill payments
Aging in Place
Safety Concerns Are Increasing especially if there is a pattern of…
Recent falls
Medication mistakes
Getting lost while driving
Leaving the stove on
Related Resources
Immediate Risks & Short-Term Fixes
Safety Concerns
Family Members Are Becoming More Involved because more help is needed with…
More frequent check-ins
Helping with finances
Coordinating appointments
Taking over household tasks
Related Resources
What Are Families Really Deciding
How to Start the Conversation
Current Plans No Longer Match Reality as notable changes in things like…
Care needs are increasing
Living alone is becoming harder
Related Resources
Housing Options
The home is difficult to maintain
Future costs are becoming a concern
How to Pay for the Right Care
What "More Help" Actually Means
Many families assume "more help" means moving mom or dad immediately into an assisted living community. While that may be assisted living may be the right size for some, for many families, it
mean:
More family involvement
Home care
Safety modifications
Independent living
Assisted living
Memory care
The Right Help Makes a Difference
It’s important to do your research. Being on a page like this helps, but it’s also a good idea to find out Who Else To Involve.
I have been in your shoes and stood besides others as they have noticed these same things and asked the same questions. If I can be a resource, please…
Or find a time on my calendar