Signs That Aging Parents Shouldn’t Live Alone

While it is never easy to see, the passage of time dictates that parents will age and become less independent. For their safety, it is important to know the signs of them needing more help and what can be done to maximize their comfort in their golden years. When you know what to look for, you are better able to make sure their needs are being addressed and plans are being made for the future. 

Below are signs that it may be time to have a conversation with your aging parents about their current living situation according to an estate planning lawyer with our friends at McCarthy Law, LLC. It is always better to make a plan together, whenever possible. Spotting the signs early can allow for a more seamless process.

1.     Hygiene

When your parents begin to not bathe, brush their teeth, or take care of their overall hygiene, this could be a sign that they are no longer able to take care of themselves in the way they once were. While tracking your parents’ hygiene habits may be new for you, it is a good indication of other symptoms, including mental health, memory loss or a declining physical ability. 

2.     Unopened Mail

If your aging parents do not open their mail or forget to address it, this could be a sign that they are not able to maintain a home. Unopened mail could lead to missed payments or important information regarding their home or family events.

3.     Medication Issues

Medication is an important part of keeping aging parents healthy. If they are not able to refill their prescriptions or manage which medication to take and when, it may be time to seek alternative solutions for their living situations.

4.     Weight Loss

If your parents’ weight is noticeably down, it may be that they are not eating regularly or they are losing muscle mass. While this could be for several reasons, it can be a clear sign that they can no longer take care of themselves and are in need of assistance.

5.     Falls

Falls are scary and can lead to hospitalization for the elderly. To avoid a bad situation, it is important to address this immediately if it is happening to your parents, especially on more than one instance.

6.     Mental Health Status and Memory Loss

Some elderly parents may start to get agitated, defensive, or start to forget and recall facts or situations incorrectly. If you begin to notice this, try to find a time where they are most lucid to ask them about what concerns you. This could be a sign that they are ready to move to the next stage and should no longer be living on their own.

7.     Messy Home

If your parents are no longer keeping up with their home, this can be a way that they are no longer able to care for themselves without aid. If the house looks noticeably messier or dirtier than it did when you were certain they were keeping up with it, it may be time to have a conversation about future plans.

When making difficult decisions about next steps with elderly parents, it can be helpful to have legal aid or guidance on what will happen with their assets, should you all decide a move into a facility is the best choice. Whether you choose to sell or change ownership of their assets, a legal professional can help you in the process.