How can you tell that it may no longer be appropriate for an older person to live at home?
Look for changes in behaviour that show neglect or difficulty completing basic tasks. Below are some warning signs, which may suggest that an elder needs professional care:
- Problems completing tasks involved in day-to-day living such as eating, walking, dressing, cooking or taking medications as directed by a doctor.
- Infrequent bathing, dirty clothes, poor dental care.
- Decline in mental function, such as frequent forgetfulness, getting lost while driving/walking, inability to communicate clearly, leaving the stove turned on, unusual behaviour.
- Severe weight loss, fatigue, muscle weakness, bed wetting, sleeping too much or too little.
