01/28/2026
You did your research.
You asked the right questions.
But sometimes the warning signs don’t show up until someone’s already in your home.
Here’s what to watch for:
∙ A caregiver who’s always on their phone when you stop by
∙ Inconsistent stories about how the day went
∙ Your parent seems quieter, more withdrawn, or hesitant to be alone with them
∙ Small things going missing with no explanation
∙ Unexplained bruises brushed off as “nothing”
∙ The agency is impossible to reach when you have concerns
∙ You feel like a burden for asking questions
∙ Caregiver shows up late regularly or calls out often with little notice
∙ Your parent’s hygiene or appearance starts slipping
∙ Medications aren’t being given on schedule
Trust your gut.
If something feels off, it probably is.
The right care team welcomes your questions. They check in before you have to. And they never make you feel like a problem for wanting to know how your parent is really doing.
