Seniors fear the loss of independence more than they fear death. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), 90% of seniors desire to remain in their own homes as they age. Therefore, they might not be honest about the challenges they are having at home or with driving. As you start to consider options for a friend or a family member, it’s essential to know the common signs someone might be struggling with typical daily routines. Here is a list to help get you started. This is not an all-inclusive list, but it should provide enough information for someone to ask the right questions about what is best for their loved ones.

Seven signs a senior might need help:

  1. A Decline in Personal Hygiene. Going a week or more without bathing, forgetting to brush their teeth, and having untrimmed nails and unkempt hair may indicate the person has challenges with taking care of their hygiene.
  2. Change in Eating Habits. Any changes in eating habits, including disinterest in food, barely eating, or an empty fridge can signify that help is needed. Proper nutrition is critical to support well-being and can slow declining health.
  3. Unexplained Bruises. Older adults frequently bruise because their skin has become thinner with age. Another reason may be vitamin deficiencies or certain medications. It is a good idea for the older person to seek medical advice to determine the root cause. If the bruising is typical aging, the reason may be changes in mobility or indicate falls.
  4. A Change in the Condition of the Home. A significant change in housekeeping routines, stacks of unopened mail, or trash buildup could indicate that the person cannot complete these tasks independently.
  5. Under or Over Medicating. Over 55% of seniors do not correctly take their medications[1]. Studies indicate up to 30% of all hospital readmissions are due to medication non-adherence. If a loved one forgets to take their medication or takes incorrect dosages, this could adversely affect their health.
  6. Change in Reasoning, Memory, and Judgement. A senior may show increased confusion or loss of reasoning skills when asked questions or in a light conversation. Normal age-related memory loss is typical as we age. Memory loss that disrupts a person’s ability to function in daily activities can be early signs of something more serious. Cognition is a process in the brain that includes learning, remembering, and making judgments. When cognition is impaired, i