By many estimates, two-thirds of older Americans will eventually become dependent on others to complete everyday tasks. But realizing that you need help or convincing someone else that they do is often more difficult than arranging long-term care. Look for these signs to help determine your elderly loved one’s needs and the best ways to meet them.

* Unkempt household: Dusty surfaces and piles of dirty dishes may be a sign of depression or physical difficulties. Hiring a cleaning service to come once a week can improve their quality of life and remove clutter that leads to falls, which cause most hip fractures in older adults.

* Bruises and injuries: Some seniors keep falls a secret to avoid lifestyle changes like using a walker or living in a nursing home. Individuals who have fallen in the past are more likely to fall again. Bruises or sores that your loved one can’t explain may be caused by falls, more serious health problems or even caregiver negligence.

* Weight loss: A loss of appetite can signal a bigger medical problem. Lack of proper nutrition due to difficulty grocery shopping and cooking, or affording enough food can be solved by checking in and bringing food periodically. Also consider programs like Meals on Wheels that serve meals for little or no cost to individuals who cannot prepare their own food .

* Dirty clothing: The physical act of collecting, loading and folding clothing can become cumbersome for some seniors. Functionality of machines can also be a problem if reaching them requires climbing stairs or walking long distances. If your loved one wears soiled clothing or the same items again and again, make machines more accessible, offer to do laundry or hire a professional.

* Unusual communication: Excessively loud talking and requests to repeat phrases are signs of hearing loss and can be addressed with digital hearing aids. Voice disorders and more complex medical issues may be to blame for slurred or arduous speech, which should be brought to a physician’s attention immediately. Miracle Ear provides a variety of different solutions for all stages of degenerative hearing.

* Mismanaged medications: Pill boxes make establishing a medication schedule easier. However, required daily reminders to your loved one could suggest bigger health troubles. Confusion or depression may cause incorrect dosing that can lead to additional illness. Also check with a doctor to make sure that the medicine combination doesn’t have any adverse side effects.

Many of these problems can be dealt with through increased contact and occasional help from you or other loved ones. If you hire a caregiver, thoroughly check candidates’ backgrounds and qualifications and check in on the home often to ensure your senior parent or loved one is receiving the care they need.