How to Determine When Assistance is Needed

• Has s/he stopped attending church or social activities?
• Is routine household cleaning not being done?
• Are there signs of burnt pans on the stove or in the cupboards?
• Are there scorch marks on the pot holders or dish towels?
• Are there burns on his/her skin from cooking (from being unsteady or shaky)?
• Does s/he talk less or participate less in conversations?
• Is s/he content to just sit in a chair, not reading or returning phone calls?
• Is s/he lonely?
• Is s/he afraid to be alone?
• Are his or her clothes dirty or rumpled?
• Are dirty clothes put back in the closet without being washed?
• Is s/he unable to do grocery shopping and errands alone?
• If s/he smokes, are there burn marks on the carpet or furniture?
• Are there stacks of mail (including unpaid bills) laying around?
• Are medications not being taken properly? Pills left over or running out to soon?
• Is his/her hearing or vision affecting the ability to function?
• Is s/he having difficulty with or lost interest in eating?
• Is s/he eating poorly or having trouble making nutritious meals?
• Has there been recent weight loss?
• Does s/he have problems sleeping?
• Is s/he at risk of falling on the stairs? Have there been recent falls?
• Are there signs of bruises on the arms from bumping into things?
• Has memory loss made it difficult for him/her to be left alone?
• Have s/he become verbally or physically abusive?
• Does s/he need assistance getting out of bed or a chair?
• Does s/he need help walking?
• Does s/he need help getting to and from the bathroom?
• Does s/he bathe less often or not want to bathe at all?
• Does s/he need help with bathing, dressing or grooming?
• Are there signs of alcohol or drug abuse (including prescription drugs)?
• Has s/he been diagnosed with any chronic diseases– diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, etc?
• Has s/he undergone a recent emotional or medical crisis?
• Has a recent injury or surgery temporarily impaired his/her ability to take care of him/herself?