A practical & compassionate checklist
Use this guide to gently observe changes in your parent’s health, safety, routines, and daily life. Simply notice what’s normal, what’s new, and where support might be needed.
1. Home environment & safety
☐ More clutter or chores piling up
☐ Tripping hazards (rugs, cords, low lighting)
☐ Medications missed or disorganized
Why it matters: These signs may signal fatigue, mobility challenges, or early cognitive changes.
2. Nutrition & hydration
☐ Fridge with spoiled/expired food or very little food inside
☐ Relying on snacks or skipping meals
Why it matters: Nutrition affects energy, mood, and safety. Signs that your loved one is not getting the right nutrition may indicate trouble shopping or cooking.
3. Hygiene & personal appearance
☐ Wearing the same clothes often
☐ Wearing weather-inappropriate clothing
☐ Bathing less frequently
Why it matters: These actions can reflect mobility issues, cognitive decline, or changes in mood.
4. Mobility, strength & balance
☐ Holding onto furniture to walk
☐ Difficulty getting up from sitting in chairs
☐ Recent stumbles or near-falls
Why it matters: It’s important to know about early fall-risk signs for safety planning.
5. Memory, thinking, & daily tasks
☐ Repeating questions
☐ Trouble managing bills, using household appliances, or sticking to their routines
☐ Confusion about dates or appointments
Why it matters: These are potential early cognitive changes, which are always worth monitoring.
6. Mood & social engagement
☐ Withdrawing from friends or hobbies
☐ Noticeable irritability, worry, or sadness
Why it matters: Social changes often appear before physical ones. Noticing social changes can serve as a signal to begin keeping an eye out for physical changes too.
7. Driving & transportation
☐ Dents on the car or getting lost
☐ Driving unusually slow or fast
☐ Getting into car accidents or near-accidents
Why it matters: Safe driving requires judgment, vision, and reaction time — all can change subtly. Noticing changes like these is a sign to consider having a conversation with your parent about their driving.
Not sure if something you’re seeing is really a change worth paying attention to?
Trust your gut. If something feels “different,” pay attention.
Next steps: What to do if you notice changes
☐ Document what you’re seeing
☐ Schedule a doctor or cognitive evaluation
☐ Explore home care or a safety assessment
☐ Reach out to caregiver resources for support
Coping with changes: A pep talk for you
It may feel upsetting to notice aging-related changes in your parent. Remember that the earlier you’re aware of these changes, the sooner you can help your parent access the resources and support they need to live their best life. Taking small steps now—like observing them and documenting what you notice—can make a meaningful difference in your parent’s quality of life both now and later.
