Common Signs It’s Time for Intervention/Professional Help

Please note: this isn’t a comprehensive list, nor do all signs need to be present in order for intervention to be appropriate.

Diminished Safety Awareness/Impaired Judgement

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• Wandering/Aimlessness
• Letting strangers in the home
• Unsafe driving practices
• Leaving burner on unattended
• Leaving pot or pan on stove unattended
• Unable to quickly & correctly answer what to do if there were a fire in the home

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Changes In Home Environment

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• Suddenly writing checks for large amounts to unknown persons, unusual banking practices
• Uncharacteristic change in home cleanliness and order
• Refusing to throw out unnecessary items, e.g., trash, newspapers, old mail, junk mail
• Utilities being cut off
• Unpaid bills when money is available
• Sudden increase in magazine subscriptions, mail-in offers, Franklin Mint, collectibles, sweepstakes

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Behavioral Changes

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• Aggressive/violent behavior
• Sundowning
• Inappropriate sexual behavior/lack of inhibition such as public disrobing
• Dramatic change in behavior or personality
• Loss of motivation, apathy
• Sudden onset of depression
• Delusions/hallucinations
• Suddenly saying no to social activities that were formerly enjoyed
• Saying no to visits and contact with family and friends
• Compulsive behaviors such as gambling, overeating, sexual acting out

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Physical Changes

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• Falls
• Change in gait or physical strength
• Change in sleep patterns
• Sudden incontinence
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Dramatic weight loss; dietary changes; eating inappropriate food items
• Repeated trips to the ER, hospital, urgent care, doctor
• Self-medicating through use of alcohol/drugs (prescription or illegal)

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Cognitive Changes

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• Inability to do familiar tasks
• Inability to cope with familiar situations
• Word finding difficulty
• Delayed speech or cognitive processing
• Not comprehending spoken or written language
• Forgetting/missing appointments
• Getting lost on foot or in the car in familiar locations/environments

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