Look for the first signs that something is changing.

Do things seem different then they used to be?

Think back to your childhood….Who was the one that made sure everything we were taken care of? Most likely it was your mom and dad. They took pride in maintaining themselves, their homes, their finances. And as we gained independence, so did they. Is it still that way?

Many aspects of aging, such as muscle tone loss or skin tone loss have no connection to your parents physical or mental capacity to manage their lives. But a sudden event or illness may change that. Urge them to visit a doctor who is familiar with geriatric illnesses and keep in touch on a regular basis. It's just as important to keep yourself educated and informed about illnesses that affect older people and prepare for the future.

The Sterling Care Group has a network of agencies and professionals who offer specialized services that are dedicated completely to helping the elderly and aging maintain both their dignity and independence.

Here are some of the first signs that help may be needed:

  • Piles of unopened mail 

  • Late notices for bills 

  • Utilities being cut off 

  • Bills being paid twice 

  • Missing checks in the bank statement 

  • Missing cash 

  • Food spoiling in the refrigerator 

  • Weight loss 

  • The home is not being maintained 

  • Packratting documents or mementos 

  • Refusing to throw things away 

  • Wandering aimlessly 

  • Getting lost in familiar surroundings 

  • Refusing to let someone familiar into the home 

  • Reluctance to leave home

  • Paranoia over unlikely events 

  • Blowing things out of proportion 

  • Nitpicking 

  • Lack of orientation to time and place 

  • Lack of willingness to discuss problems 

  • Recent development of belligerence

  • A decline in personal grooming