Immediate Risks & Short-Term Fixes
You do not need a perfect long-term plan today. Focus first on the risks that could create an immediate safety concern or crisis. These are often the first issues families address when helping an aging parent.
Simple Answer
If you are worried about an aging parent, start by identifying immediate safety risks.
You do not need to solve every problem today. Focus first on issues that could lead to injury, hospitalization, financial loss, or a crisis.
What Needs Attention First?
When families become concerned about a parent, there is a great deal of uncertainty, which is overwhelming. With that in mind, start with the highest-risk situations instead of trying to solve everything at once.
Some of the riskiest things include…
Falls & Mobility
Falls inside of the home are one of the fastest ways a manageable situation with your mom or dad becomes a crisis.
Short-term fixes:
Remove trip hazards
Improve lighting
Schedule a mobility evaluation
Discover more
Memory & Judgment Changes
Misplacing important items, forgetting appointments, or making other unsafe decisions create dangerous situations.
Short-term fixes:
Simplifying routines,
Reducing choices
Increase regular check-ins
Learn more about
Financial Vulnerability
Older adults are often targeted by scams, fraud, and financial exploitation.
Short-term fixes:
Monitor accounts for unusual purchases
Set up fraud alerts
Become a joint owner on bank accounts
Do you know
What to Do at the Bank
Common scams against seniors
If the time is right for a senior community, learn What Happens to the House
Medication Mistakes
Missing doses, taking extra medication, or mixing prescriptions can quickly create serious health problems.
Short-term fixes:
Use a pill organizer
Medication reminders
Review prescriptions with a family member
Find out
Living Alone Risks
Living alone can become difficult long before a parent asks for help.
Short-term fixes:
Check food, hygiene, and housekeeping
Increase visits or calls
Consider a home safety assessment
More information about
What to do if it’s No Longer Safe in the Home
What You Should Do This Week
Identify the biggest safety risk.
Focus on one issue at a time.
Involve siblings or trusted family members.
Schedule needed evaluations.
Create a short-term plan.
Related Resources
Take a Breath and Know There Is Help
There is so much happening and once you make sure they are safe, we can work together on a plan…
Learn How I Help