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The Heart of the Commonwealth

Worcester Senior Report

Worcester · Massachusetts

Because getting older should come with better information, not less of it.

Thursday, August 13, 2026 Updated 2:42 am Vol. I · No. 1
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Elder Voices

Seven Ways to Tell Your Parents Need Some Help

E Santiago · Worcester Senior Report

As we get older, things that used to be easy can become very hard. Most parents want to stay in their own homes and keep their independence as long as possible. Because of this, they might try to hide the fact that they are struggling. It is important for families to look for small signs of trouble before a big emergency, like a fall or a fire, happens.

Here are seven signs that your parents might need some extra help at home:

1. They are not grooming themselves like they used to. Watch for things like messy hair, dirty nails, or body odor. You might also notice them wearing the same clothes for many days in a row or putting their clothes on backward. This can happen when bathing or doing laundry becomes too difficult for them to handle alone.

2. They are losing weight for no clear reason. If your parent looks thinner or their clothes seem too loose, they might not be eating enough. This could be because they find it hard to cook, have trouble getting to the grocery store, or simply forget to eat.

3. They use furniture to help them walk. Watch how your parents move around the house. If they are “furniture walking” — which means holding onto walls, tables, and chairs to stay steady — it is a sign that their balance is not good. This makes them much more likely to have a dangerous fall.

4. They forget to turn off the stove. Finding burnt pots and pans or a stove that was left on is a major safety warning. It shows that they are having trouble with memory and focus, which could lead to a house fire.

5. They are confused about their medicine. Missing doses or taking too many pills can cause serious health problems. If they seem confused about which medicine to take and when, they need a better system or someone to help them manage their health.

6. There are new dents or scratches on their car. Driving is often the last bit of freedom a senior wants to give up. However, new marks on the car or a sudden fear of driving at night can mean their vision or reaction times are getting worse.

7. They have piles of unopened mail and unpaid bills. When a parent stops opening their mail or starts getting late notices for bills, they may be feeling overwhelmed. This can also make them more likely to be tricked by phone scams.

How to help gracefully. If you see these signs, talk to your parents in a calm and private way. Instead of telling them what to do, ask them what they think would help. Focus on the idea that getting help — like having meals delivered or fixing tripping hazards like loose rugs — will actually help them stay in their home longer.

You should also make sure they have legal papers ready, like a Power of Attorney, so you can help with their health and money if they ever become too sick to do it themselves. Getting help early is the best way to keep your parents safe and happy at home.

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