It can be hard to know when it's time to step in and get more support for someone you love. Maybe it’s your parent, your grandparent, or your spouse. You’ve noticed something feels different, but you’re not quite sure what it means—or what to do about it.
You’re not alone in that feeling. Many people begin this journey with a hunch. Something subtle shifts. Maybe it’s a missed appointment here or a late payment there. It’s not always dramatic. But over time, these small moments start to paint a bigger picture.
Getting older makes some activities more challenging, and it’s normal to slow down. But when you notice laundry piling up, increasing amounts of clutter, or poor hygiene, a loved one may be struggling physically or emotionally.
Here are a few signs that it may be time to explore more support.
Changes in memory or mood.
If your loved one seems to be repeating the same questions or stories, forgetting what day it is, or becoming confused in familiar places, it could be more than just “normal aging.” You might also notice a change in mood—more irritation, more withdrawal, or less interest in the things they’ve always loved.
Sometimes, these changes show up during family visits or holidays. If they seem overwhelmed at a gathering they used to enjoy or are eager to leave early, it could be a sign that something deeper is going on.
Shifts in daily routines.
Is the mail piling up? Are they missing medications or forgetting appointments? These everyday slip-ups can be easy to brush off, but they may point to a person feeling overwhelmed or having trouble managing their health and home responsibilities.
You might also notice signs of self-neglect. Maybe they aren’t dressing for the weather. Maybe the house looks different—cluttered, dusty, or unusually messy. These are all signals that they might need more help with daily routines.
Safety concerns.
Falls, scrapes, or injuries, even minor ones, shouldn’t be overlooked. Balance and mobility can become unpredictable, even for someone who’s otherwise healthy. If you’re getting more calls about accidents at home, or if they’ve had close calls in the kitchen or while driving, it’s time to take notice.
Signs of loneliness or isolation.
When someone limits how often they leave the house—whether because of bad weather, fear of falling, or simply not having anyone to go with—loneliness can creep in. Over time, isolation can affect both emotional and physical health.
So, What Happens Next?
You don’t have to figure this out alone. At Vivie, we’re here to help you take the next step—whatever that looks like.
We offer a full range of support options, including:
- Senior living options with personalized care and engaging environments.
- Home health care services that bring skilled support right to your door.
- Population health programs that help people stay well through proactive, community-based care.
We’ll work with you to understand what your loved one needs—and what you need as a family member or caregiver. Whether it’s answering your questions, helping with a transition, or simply listening, we’re here to walk alongside you.
Because caring well for others isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. It’s personal. And it’s something we’re honored to do, every step of the way.
Justine Winterowd
Justine Winterowd is the senior director of clinical services at Vivie, bringing nearly a decade of clinical and operational leadership experience across assisted living, skilled nursing, and senior living communities. With a background in nursing and healthcare administration, she specializes in clinical service management, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement. Prior to joining Vivie, Justine served as director of clinical services and director of nursing at Eventide, where she led initiatives that strengthened care delivery models, improved quality measures, and supported 5-star performance standards. She is known for developing documentation practices that enhance accuracy, reimbursement, and regulatory readiness, as well as for using Lean Six Sigma principles to drive operational efficiency. Justine is committed to empowering clinical teams through education, collaboration, and high-quality care practices that elevate the resident experience. She finds purpose in helping teams deliver safe, consistent, and compassionate care across the continuum.
