How can you tell when it's the right time to get help for your aging loved one?  For family members that live close by and for those that are long distance there are warning signs that you can look for in order to take the next step.  Here are a few warning signs:

1. Recent car accidents.

2. Difficulty walking and/or unsteady on feet.

3. Poor grooming and/or personal hygiene.

4. Loss of appetite and not eating the right foods for a balanced diet.

5. Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed.

6. Reluctance to socialize.

7. Memory loss or confusion.

8. Mishandled medications.

9. Persistent fatigue and lack of energy.

10. Personality changes and mood swings.

11. Unopened mail and past due bills.

12. Poor housekeeping and household maintenance.

If you notice your loved one is experiencing any of the issues listed you may need to consider in home care or some form of assisted living.  You can consider a few ways to assess the situation.  Consult a geriatric care manager who would come to the home and meet with your loved one to determine his/her care needs.  You could arrange for home care services to send a caregiver in to check on things and keep your loved one on track with food, medications, and general home care assistance.  You may also consider an elder law attorney to plan for a health care proxy, power of attorney, and financial trusts.

It's always good to prepare ahead of time.  Making decisions during a crisis can lead to mistakes and more stress.  If the signs are there, the chances are that the situation won't get better and decisions will need to be made.