Client Education

Care Planning

A Checklist: Red Flags That Signal a Senior May Need Help

By: Deborah Sullivan Brennan, Special to AccentCare

The following danger signs may warn that an older adult needs assistance. The cause of these changes can be a physical ailment such as arthritis, heart disease or deteriorating vision, a psychological problem such as depression or a developing memory disorder.

The changes underlined at the top of each section are the most serious and call for immediate action. But any of the red flags listed should prompt family members to investigate the problem and consult a doctor or other professional.

Memory Impairment:

• Leaving on the stove, oven or iron (potentially life-threatening)
• Forgetting to take medication (potentially life-threatening)
• Wandering from home and having difficulty getting back (potentially hazardous to senior? safety)
• Missing appointments
• Forgetting to pay bills

Changes in Mobility:

• Frequent falls (potentially life-threatening)
• Difficulty using a bathtub, shower or toilet (may precipitate a fall)
• Difficulty walking
• Difficulty using an assistance device such as a cane or walker
• Difficulty climbing stairs
• Difficulty getting out of chairs

Changes in Mood and Behavior:

• Loss of interest in life (may signal major depression)
• Talk about feeling hopeless (may signal major depression)
• Mood swings
• Social isolation
• Lack of participation in such regular activities as church, clubs or social groups
• Fear of going outside the home

Changes in Sleep Patterns:

• Sleeping most of the day
• Inability to sleep
• Fitful or interrupted sleep

Changes in Diet:

• Lack of food in the home: empty cupboards or refrigerator (may jeopardize health)
• Inappropriate or unhealthy food, or food that may worsen a medical condition such as diabetes or heart disease
• Lack of appetite or overeating
• Noticeable weight gain or loss

Changes in Physical Appearance:

• Signs of bodily injury ? frequent or serious bruises, cuts, burns (may indicate physical abuse or serious injury)
• Abnormal skin color
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen feet or ankles (may indicate serious circulatory problems)
• Weight changes (may indicate serious underlying health problem)
• Unkempt appearance
• Failure to maintain daily hygiene
• Changes in habitual dress, such as remaining in pajamas or bathrobe all day
• Wearing the same clothes many days in a row

Changes in Driving:

• Getting into traffic accidents
• Frequent near misses, slowed reaction time
• Difficulty getting into or out of a car
• Failure to see or heed traffic signals

Changes in Household:

• Large amounts of unopened mail
• Widespread clutter in the home of a habitually tidy person
• Failure to do laundry or other basic cleaning tasks

Deborah Sullivan Brennan is a freelance writer based in Idyllwild, Calif. She previously worked for newspapers including the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Daily News and the Palm Springs Desert Sun.