Determining when the time is right

When is the right time to suggest parents or loved ones no longer can live safely on their own? Sometimes, this difficult decision is forced by illness, an accident, or other circumstances related to aging. For other elders, changes are subtle. In a special report on assisted living, Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource lists warning signs to help gauge when seniors need help in the home or alternative living arrangements. These signs also may indicate that a call or visit to a primary care physician is in order:

Weight loss. Losing weight without trying is a signal that something is wrong. It can indicate a significant health problem, such as cancer, dementia, depression, or heart failure. Weight loss also can be related to difficulty finding the energy to cook or problems with grasping utensils. Changes in the ability to taste and smell can make food less appealing.

Poor home maintenance. Piled up dirty dishes or clutter, overgrown grass, or any big negative changes in home upkeep are clues that seniors may be having health problems or age-related changes that hinder them from staying abreast of household chores.

Lack of personal hygiene. Failure to keep up with daily routines--teeth brushing, bathing, and basic grooming--can be signs of trouble.

Mood changes. Everyone has good and bad days, but a different mood or outlook on life could be a tipoff of depression or another health concern. Losing interest in hobbies or daily activities is not a natural sign of aging.

Memory loss. Forgetfulness tends to increase with age, but there is a big difference between normal absentmindedness and the type of memory loss associated with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. Early warning signs can include repeatedly asking the same questions; having difficulty finding words; using inappropriate words; or being unable to complete familiar tasks.

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Mobility problems. Muscle weakness, joint maladies, and other age-related changes can make it difficult to move around and perform basic tasks or chores. Unsteadiness increases the risk of falling--and falls can cause major injuries and even death in older adults.

It can be difficult for all involved to determine that independent living no longer is safe or practical. Sometimes, a family member's expression of concern can be the impetus needed for the elder to realize it is time to see a care provider or consider other living arrangements.

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COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning