Signs of Elderly Problems

Elderly problems can involve a sudden need for
elder caregivers or other help.

Either from an outside source such as a senior home care service, or assisted living facilities. Or perhaps you. Are you ready?

But how do you really know if there's a real problem. Or if it's just normal aging? Our loved ones often exhibit unspoken signs of elderly problems when they need help. Little clues.

Some of the most common clues showing a need for elderly assistance are listed below. Some are more serious and will need to involve senior home care or elderly long-term care. Most seniors will eventually show some of these signs and elderly issues as they age. If you notice any, talk openly with your elderly parent or loved one or consult a professional to work with you.

Physical Clues

Noticable change in weight (gain or loss).
Trouble getting out of a chair.
Tripping.
Complaints of dizziness.
Walking with unsteadiness.
Overly tired.
Incontinence odors (urine).
Overly thirsty.
Cannot see or read even with corrective lenses.
Constantly asking you to speak louder.
Asking the same questions too frequently.
Too many of the so-called senior moments.

Behavioral Clues

Odors from food spoilage.
Piles of dirty laundry.
Personal hygiene habits have changed.
Neatness or cleanliness of the home has changed.
The yard has become unkept.
Not enough food in the fridge.
Medications are not being taken correctly.
Getting lost in familiar places.
Stacks of unopened mail.
Bills are consistently not being paid.
Missing appointments.
Evidence of safety problems (ex. burns in clothing or cookware).

Elderly Depression Clues

Ceased socializing with other seniors or friends.
Very little contact with family members.
Not interested in conversation.
House is kept dark, including in the day.
Shade and curtains remain drawn.
Disinterest in senior activities previously enjoyed.
Sleeping more.
Weeping for no apparent reason.
Talk of wanting to end it all.

Some of these signs may actually be symptoms of the onset of dementia or alzheimers. Or depression. It is vital that elderly people receive support as soon as possible. Caring for the elderly can be challenging. But you need not be alone. There are many local, state and national public benefits with elderly assistance that can help you. And there may come a time when you need to consider whether your loved one needs home healthcare -- read about caregiver duties; or long term care. Our page on making a plan for elderly help can help you assess your situation and offer suggestions on how to move forward.

Assessing signs of elderly problems is a serious matter. Make sure you get professional help to pinpoint the real underlying elderly issues, and to help you and your loved one makes decisions about senior home care or possible elderly long-term care needs.

Be sure to also read:
Care of Elderly - Don't Be Overwhelmed -- Care of elderly calls for careful planning. But what steps do you take? Learn to make your best personalized plan.
Care For Elderly In Home - Tips and Ideas -- Care for elderly in home takes a lot of planning, whether a loved one is staying in their own home or moving in with someone else (perhaps you). Here are some great tips and ideas to consider, including having some fun!
Fundamentals of Caregiving -- What is caregiving all about exactly? This page contains information about typical elderly caregiving for various elderly problems, provided by either a senior home care service, in assisted living facilities, or nursing homes where you or your loved one may live, even if temporarily. After you read our related pages you will have a very good idea about what to expect, what to ask caregivers, and possible sharing of caregiver duties.

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