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How to Know When Your Aging Parent Needs a PSW: 10 Warning Signs

  • Writer: Moshe Birnbaum
    Moshe Birnbaum
  • May 1
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jun 30



adult daughter cooking with older mother

Watching a parent age can be deeply emotional. Subtle changes, like forgotten appointments or missed meals, can leave families wondering: Is this normal aging, or is it time for help? For many, hiring a Personal Support Worker (PSW) feels like a last resort, but early intervention can prevent crises and preserve independence.
At Heartfelt Health, we’ve supported families through this journey. Below, we outline 10 warning signs your parent may need a PSW, from quiet red flags to urgent risks - and actionable steps to protect their well-being.

Subtle Warning Signs (Don’t Ignore These)

1. Forgetfulness Affecting Daily Life
  • Missed medications, unpaid bills, or confusion about time/place.
  • Why It Matters: Early dementia or untreated health issues often start this way.

2. Changes in Eating Habits

  • Sudden weight loss or weight gain, spoiled food in the fridge, or loss of interest in cooking.
  • Note: Loneliness or cognitive decline can lead to overeating or under-eating.

3. Declining Personal Hygiene

  • Skipping showers, wearing dirty clothes, or neglecting dental care.

4. Social Withdrawal

  • Avoiding hobbies, friends, or family gatherings they once enjoyed.

5. Household Neglect

  • Clutter tripping hazards, unwashed dishes, or neglected pets.

Urgent Red Flags (Act Immediately)


6. Frequent Falls or Balance Issues

  • Unexplained bruises, fear of walking, or reliance on furniture for support.

7. Medication Mistakes

  • Overdosing, missed doses, or confusion about prescriptions.

8. Getting Lost or Wandering

  • Forgetting routes to familiar places like the grocery store or pharmacy.

9. Mood or Personality Shifts

  • Aggression, paranoia, or apathy are common in dementia or depression.

10. Caregiver Burnout

  • Your exhaustion, resentment, or inability to keep up with their needs.

Critical Steps If You Suspect Dementia

If your parent shows signs of cognitive decline:
  1. Seek a Diagnosis: Book an appointment with their doctor or a geriatric specialist. Early intervention slows progression.
  2. Address Safety Risks:
    • Revoke Driving Privileges: Contact their physician to formally assess fitness to drive.
    • Secure medications, sharp objects, and financial accounts.
  3. Explore Support: A PSW can provide supervision, companionship, and routine.

Why Families Delay Help (And Why They Shouldn’t)

Common barriers include:
  • Guilt: “I should handle this alone.”
  • Cultural Stigma: “Asking for help is shameful.”
  • Denial: “They’re just getting older.”
Reality: A PSW isn’t about taking control, it’s about empowering your parent to live safely while respecting their autonomy.

How Heartfelt Health Helps

  • Personalized Care Plans: Tailored to medical needs, cultural preferences (e.g., kosher meals), and daily routines.
  • Safety First: PSWs trained in fall prevention, medication management, and dementia care.
  • Peace of Mind: Regular updates and open communication with families.
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