PHYSICAL CHANGES

o Has s/he been diagnosed with any chronic diseases such as diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, etc.?

o Has a recent injury or surgery temporarily impaired his/her ability to take care of him or herself?

o Is s/he at risk of falling on the stairs? Have there been recent falls?

o Has there been recent weight loss?

o Is his/her hearing or vision affecting his/her ability to function?

o Is s/he able to cook for him or herself?

o Are there bruises on the arms from bumping into things, or burns on the skin from cooking?

o Does s/he need assistance getting out of bed or a chair?

o Does s/he need help walking?

o Does s/he need help getting to and from the bathroom?

o Does s/he need help with bathing, dressing or grooming?

o Is s/he eating poorly or having trouble making nutritious meals?

o Are his/her teeth in good repair? Is there chronic bad breath?

o Does s/he have problems sleeping?

o Is s/he unable to do grocery shopping and errands alone?

MEDICATIONS

o Are medications being missed and/or prescriptions not being refilled?

o Are pills left over or running out too soon?

SOCIAL CONTACT

o Has s/he stopped attending church or social activities?

o Has contact with friends and family changed dramatically?

o Has s/he undergone a recent emotional or medical crisis?

o Is s/he content to just sit in a chair, not reading or returning phone calls?

PERSONAL HABITS

o Has there been a change in personal hygiene, dress or appearance? Does s/he bathe less often or not want to bathe at all?

o Are dirty clothes put back in the closet without being washed?

o Is routine household cleaning not being done?

o Has s/he become verbally or physically abusive?

o If there are pets, are they cared for appropriately?

o Are there stacks of mail (including unpaid bills) lying around?

o Based on prior eating habits, is refrigerator and pantry empty or stocked with unusual foods?

o Are foods left to spoil or kept beyond a “use by” date?

o Are unnecessary items being ordered through the mail or from television?

o Is there an increase in panic calls to family, friends or medical professional without apparent need? Are there unnecessary calls to 911?

o If s/he smokes, are there burn marks on the furniture or carpet?

o Has s/he quit doing housekeeping chores? Is the house cluttered or messy?

• Frequent falls or unexplained bruises
• Sudden weight loss/10lbs. or more in 12 month period
• Forgetting to take medication
• Overtaking medication/mistakes/abusing medications
• Bizarre or deviant behavior
• Getting lost while driving or walking
• Extreme suspiciousness
• Loss of interest in social activities/social isolation
• Neglecting to pay bills or cash checks
• A small kitchen or bedroom fire
• Not eating properly or regularly
• Cannot safely be left alone during the day
• Abusing alcohol/medications
• Unsafe driving
• Confusion, poor judgment or forgetfulness
• New balance or mobility problems but refusing to use cane or walker
• Health complaints or new symptoms but refusing to see the doctor

One or more of these warning signs means that changes needs to be made.