If you’ve talked to your parents ahead of time, you likely have a plan in place for how to help when they need it. But knowing when it’s appropriate—or necessary— for you to jump in can be a challenge. These signs may be a cue.
Unusual purchases: Take notice if your parents are suddenly buying things that don’t fit their needs or lifestyle, or if they begin entering multiple contests or sweepstakes. This behavior can spiral out of control quickly, and older people are often vulnerable to scams.
Piles of unopened mail: A pileup of mail can be a sign that your parents are making unusual purchases, falling behind on bills or entering sweepstakes.
Always complaining about money: From claiming they don’t have enough money to avoiding activities that they think might set them back, if your parents talk only about money when you’re with them, it could be a sign there’s a problem.
Physical setbacks: Fading vision can make it difficult to drive to the bank, and arthritis can turn writing checks or addressing envelopes into a painful chore. If you think activities are becoming challenging, it may be a cue they need help.
Memory problems: Cognitive breaks—from not knowing what date to put on a check to not remembering where to write the dollar amount—can be a major indicator that you may need to step in and help.
If you’ve started the conversation early, you’ll know what to do when these signs emerge. If you need help, there are a number of resources available, including the National Institute on Aging and the National Alliance for Caregiving.
