Sometimes it’s difficult to know when it’s time for you to be thinking about senior in home care for your parent(s). These thirteen signs can be a guideline for you when making that difficult decision.

1. Changes in eating habits or loss of appetite.

2. Spoiled or outdated food in the refrigerator.

3. Difficulty walking, unsteady gait,falls.

4. Poor grooming/personal hygiene.

5.Memory loss, forgetfulness, confusion.

6. Mishandled medications.

7. Persistent fatigue/lack of energy.

8. Personality changes, irritability, mood changes.

9. Diminished driving skills, near misses, accidents.

10. Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.

11. Reluctance to socialize.

12. Difficulty concentrating, poor judgement.

13. Unopened mail, past due bills, mishandled finances.

14. Poor home maintenance, unsafe conditions.

If you notice several of these warning signs, it may be time to consider some changes. Your options could include an assisted living facility, or perhaps assisted living in home from a home health care agency.

National Alzheimer’s Awareness Week is July 6-12. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Alzheimer’s affects a person’s ability to remember, understand, communicate and reason. According the the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.2 million American’s currently suffer from the disease.

The top 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease are:

1. Memory loss

2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks

3. Problems with language

4. Disorientation to time and place

5. Poor or decreased judgment

6. Problems with abstract thinking

7. Misplacing things

8. Changes in mood or behavior

9. Changes in personality

10. Loss of initiative

If you are responsible for elderly in home care or provide assisted living in home, these warning signs can assist you in determining if you need to have your loved one tested for Alzheimer’s.

For more information, contact your local Alzheimer’s Association. If you are seeking care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, contact Care Grade at www.caregrade.com