Signs Your Parent May Need Care: A Comprehensive Guide

Updated August 7, 2025 | Lisbeth Cano

Table of Contents

Noticing changes in an aging parent can be hard. You might wonder if they are safe or if they need help. It's a common concern for adult children. Getting a clear picture of their needs is the first step. This guide will help you spot common signs that your parent may need more care.

Changes in Physical Health

Look for changes in how your parent moves, looks, and feels.

⚠️ Watch for:

  • Sudden Weight Loss or Gain
    May signal poor nutrition, illness, or fluid retention.

  • Poor Hygiene
    Dirty clothes, unwashed hair, or bad body odor can mean they’re struggling with basic care.

  • Unexplained Bruises or Cuts
    Could suggest falls or mobility issues. Falls affect 1 in 4 older adults each year1.

  • Mobility Problems
    Trouble walking, getting up, or using stairs safely.

  • New or Worsening Health Conditions
    Multiple doctor visits, new diagnoses, or trouble managing prescriptions may mean they need help2.

Changes in Mental and Emotional Well-being

Some of the most important signs are emotional or cognitive — and often easy to overlook.

Concern What to Look For
Memory Loss Forgetting tasks, names, or familiar routines
Disorientation Getting confused about time or place
Mood Swings Irritability, sadness, anxiety, or sudden behavior shifts
Social Withdrawal Avoiding family, friends, or favorite hobbies
Poor Judgment Unsafe spending, falling for scams, or risky choices

Learn more about how to Prevent Senior Scams.

Issues with Daily Living Activities

✅ Basic Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Task Signs of Trouble
Bathing Avoiding showers, unsafe in the tub. See Bathroom Safety.
Grooming Messy hair, overgrown nails, unbrushed teeth
Dressing Wearing the same clothes repeatedly or dressing inappropriately
Eating Skipped meals, spoiled food, dirty dishes left out
Toileting Bathroom accidents or reluctance to use the toilet. Check Toilet Accessibility.
Continence Difficulty managing bladder or bowel control

⚙️ Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

Task What to Watch For
Managing Finances Missed bills, unopened mail, or confusion with money
Medication Use Missed doses or wrong medications — a major health risk3
Meal Prep Expired food, empty fridge, no fresh groceries
Housekeeping Clutter, dust, or signs of disrepair
Transportation Unsafe driving, missed appointments
Shopping Inability to get basic necessities or navigate stores

Safety Concerns Around the Home

Their living space can offer clues.

🏠 Home Safety Red Flags

  • Tripping hazards like loose rugs or cluttered walkways
  • Burnt pans or broken appliances
  • Lights left on or doors unlocked
  • Signs of minor fires or leaks

Explore these helpful safety resources:

“Dents on the car or near-miss stories while driving? These are more than stories — they may be warnings.”
— Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)4

Next Steps

If you recognize several of these signs, don’t ignore them. Here’s what you can do:

👣 What to Do Now

  • [ ] Talk with your parent calmly and honestly
  • [ ] Bring up specific examples — not generalizations
  • [ ] Ask for their input, not just their compliance
  • [ ] Schedule a checkup to rule out medical issues
  • [ ] Contact local agencies or a geriatric care manager

Help is out there. Area Agencies on Aging can connect you with support5. Taking action early helps protect your parent's independence and well-being — and gives you peace of mind.

  1. National Institute on Aging. (2024). Falls and Older Adults. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-falls-prevention/falls-and-older-adults ↩

  2. National Institute on Aging. (2024). Medications and Older Adults. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/medications-older-adults/medications-older-adults ↩

  3. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). (2024). Medication Management for Older Adults. https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/reports/medication-management.html ↩

  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Older Adult Drivers. https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/older_adult_drivers/index.html ↩

  5. Administration for Community Living. (2024). Eldercare Locator. https://eldercare.acl.gov/ ↩

Explore Related Topics:

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Lisbeth Cano Clinical Researcher and Elder Advocate

Meet the author: Lisbeth Cano earned her medical degree from Universidad de Iberoamérica in Costa Rica and worked as a doctor before becoming a clinical researcher. She now focuses on senior care, writing evidence-based guides for SeniorCanvas.com to help families make safer, smarter decisions for aging parents.