As our parents age, the time will come when they will need to be cared for on some level. How do you know when it’s time to have “the talk?” We’ve prepared a quiz that provides the top signs you should consider home care for your parents. These red flags are what you should look for:

• Are your parents unable to drive safely?
• When you visit their home, is it disorderly with dishes in the sink, unmade beds, plants that haven’t been watered, mail that hasn’t been opened, etc?
• Have you noticed they have body odor or other evidence that they aren’t bathing regularly?
• Are they losing weight? This could indicate a medical problem or simply mean they’re having difficulty preparing meals.
• Are your parents having trouble remembering things like when to take their medication?
• When you look in the refrigerator and cabinets, are they almost empty or contain items that are out-of-date?
• Has either of your parents fallen or do they have unexplained bruises that might indicate a recent fall?
• Have neighbors expressed concern about your parents and their ability to care for their needs?
• Are your parent’s isolated – no close friends or social activities on a regular basis?
• Do they have medical problems that require close monitoring?

If you answered “yes” or checked any of these questions, it might be time to consider whether home care for your parents is the best solution so that they can continue living safely and comfortably. This may be a good time to have a talk with them and bring up the topic of home care for your parents.

Photo Credit: freedigitalphotos.net, varandah