A parent's behavior can be a cry for help. This article examines behaviors that may signal problems. Watch for these signs, and take the appropriate action.

#1 The House is Messy or Cluttered.

Maybe the house was always cluttered... But, if it's a marked change from previous habits, it could be a sign that Mom/Day can no longer keep-up. A small change in housekeeping standards generally means nothing. It may simply mean that Mom or Dad was very busy that week and couldn't complete the usual chores. A substantial change, however, in the tidyness of the house (or anything else) can be a signal of depression or physical illness. Be on the lookout for more clues.

#2 Bills aren't being paid/mail is piling up.

This can be another warning signal. If mom or dad was typically quite fastidious about paying utility and other bills, but past due notices are now appearing, investigate. It might be either a financial warning sign, or a physical one. Either way, help may be needed if attention to bills and mail starts to falter.

#3 Accounts aren't adding up correctly; bills are being paid twice; “strange” checks are appearing.

One sign of a problem is bills not being paid. Another sign of a problem is bills being twice. Or, checks being made out to unfamiliar people, organizations, businesses. Arithmetic errors in a person's checking account can be a warning sign too. If addition and subtraction errors are occurring with greater frequency it could be a sign of cognitive difficulties.

#4 Weight loss.

Weight loss might be sign that mom or dad is finally eating better. It can also mean that mom or dad is neglecting their health. This is most common after the death of a spouse. Oftentimes the surviving spouse is no longer be interested in preparing meals. Another tell-tale sign of problems is outdated or spoiled food in the refrigerator. Assessing a parent's need for care, can start with a quick look at what's in the refrigerator.

#5 Wearing the same clothes.

Does it seem like mom or dad is always wearing the same stuff? The same shirt and pants? The same dress? This too can be sign of difficulties. It's one thing to be a little behind the times in terms of style, it's another thing to wear stained, worn out clothes when better clothes are sitting in a drawer.

#6 Wearing Inappropriate clothing.

A variation on the above theme is wearing inappropriate clothing--clothes that just aren't right for the occassion, or that are ill-fitting. If mom does to the grocery store in a bath robe, or dad mows the lawn in his underwear, it's probably time to intervene.

#7 Signs of confusion in the kitchen.

Signs of confusion might include leaving things in the oven too long, mispreparing or mishandling foods, and forgetting to turn off the range. If mom bakes a cake and it tastes salty instead of sweet, i.e. she used salt instead of sugar, it could indicate that she's confused about a lot of things.

#8 Missing appointments/ forgetting to take medications.

All of us forget things occasionally. When someone forgets to take regular medications, however, it's a sign of deeper problems.

# 9 Acting weird.

OK, so maybe mom or dad always acted "a little weird." Dad was always inventing something down in the basement, and mom insisted on wearing hats decorated with fruit. No big deal. When weirdness takes on new forms or dimensions, however, it is time to take a closer look. The behavior could  jeapordize their safety.

#10 Acting depressed.

Depression is common among the elderly. People become depressed when friends pass away, when aches and pains start to mount, and when physical abilties decline. Symptoms of depression include listlessness, disinterest, and