10 Signs Your Aging Parent Needs Help at Home

It often happens gradually. A missed medication, a small fall, mail piling up by the door. If you've started to wonder whether your aging parent is managing safely on their own, you are not alone. Here are 10 of the most common signs that an older adult may need in-home support.

Warning Signs to Look For

1. Unexplained weight loss or a noticeably emptier fridge

2. Unopened mail, unpaid bills, or late-payment notices

3. Forgetting recent conversations, appointments, or medications

4. Bruises or unexplained injuries, suggesting falls

5. Difficulty with stairs, getting up from chairs, or bathing safely

6. Wearing the same clothes for days or skipping personal hygiene

7. A messy or unsafe home that used to be tidy

8. Withdrawing from friends, hobbies, or family events

9. Confusion with familiar places or driving close to home

10. Mood changes — increased anxiety, sadness, or agitation

What to Do Next

If three or more of these signs sound familiar, it's worth having a conversation. Start by visiting in person, opening the fridge and pantry, and watching daily routines. From there, a professional in-home care assessment can help you understand exactly what level of support your parent needs — from a few hours of companion care a week to round-the-clock dementia care.

Bruma Senior Care offers free in-home assessments across DuPage, Kane, and Kendall counties. Schedule a call today — our care coordinators will help you understand your options without any pressure.