This blog was written by the consumer lending experts at ElderLife Financial Services.
As our parents grow older, it becomes increasingly important to watch for changes in health, mobility and cognitive function – all signs of health decline in seniors. Picking up on these changes isn’t easy to detect on the phone, so be sure to look out for the following red flags the next time you’re spending time with an older parent.
Weight loss
One of the most noticeable signs of declining health or poor nutrition is an unexplained loss of weight. It may be linked to physical conditions such as cancer or chronic illness, but it can also stem from fatigue, difficulty preparing meals or mental health concerns like depression.
Balance and mobility issues
If you notice changes in posture, hesitation when walking, pain during movement or reluctance to be physically active, your parent may be experiencing joint, muscle or neurological problems. Reduced stability increases the risk of falls, which often result in serious injuries. Fear of falling can also cause older adults to limit activity, leading to greater frailty and an even greater fall risk.
Mood or behavior changes
A shift in mood or behavior may go unnoticed during brief conversations. One thing you can look for or ask your parent about is their daily routines. Are they maintaining them? Do they seek ways to stay socially engaged? Are they lonely? Is there a decline in their personal hygiene? Do they still find enjoyment in favorite pastimes?
Differences in home and environment
Changes in the home can signal that something isn’t right. A once-tidy space becoming cluttered, unopened mail or unpaid bills may suggest cognitive or physical challenges.
If you suspect your parent may be having trouble managing medications, be sure to check expiration dates on prescriptions and determine whether medications are being taken as directed.
Preparing for a conversation about care
If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your parent, the next step is to prepare for a discussion about their care needs. A holiday or family gathering may not be the best time to address everything directly, but they are good opportunities to gather information and observations that will support a future discussion.
Having a plan is essential. Conversations about health, safety and long-term care can be emotional for everyone involved, so being organized and thoughtful can make the process more productive and less overwhelming.
Discussing long-term care and financial planning
The cost of care services can vary greatly depending on things like the level of care needed and location, so it’s important to understand whether your parent has a plan in place if they become ill or require ongoing care.
Long-term care pre-planning strategies may help supplement Medicare or Medicaid and can ease the financial burden before care needs become urgent. Consider asking your parent questions such as:
- What are your monthly expenses? Can you continue to meet these expenses if care needs increase?
- Do you have any guaranteed income sources to offset rising costs?
- Have you explored asset preservation or long-term income strategies to support aging in place or senior living options?
- Do you have a financial advisor or attorney to help guide your long-term care options?
Planning today can create a solid foundation tomorrow
Having a conversation about your parent’s health, finances and future care needs isn’t easy, but it’s an important step toward protecting their well-being. While these conversations may feel uncomfortable at first, many families find relief knowing there’s a plan in place and any long-term care needs can be met with confidence.
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