Summer is here and it's time to head out to visit your parents. If they live on their own still, this is a good time to check in and make sure that they're still able to care for themselves. It can be difficult to identify potential problems when you don't live nearby. Unfortunately, as people age, they can develop health issues that make it harder for them to care for their personal needs. While you're visiting, look for signs that your parents might be ready for an assisted living facility. Here are three signs you should look for.

Disheveled Appearance

If your parents are having a difficult time taking care of their own personal hygiene needs, you might notice that their clothes are dirty or that they smell unclean. These are signs that they might not be able to do their own laundry or navigate in and out of the shower on their own anymore. Take a look around their home and see if you can find dirty laundry. If the laundry is piling up, or it looks like your parents are no longer able to dress or bathe themselves, it might be time to seek outside help for them.

Unopened Mail

If you see unopened mail piling up on the table, take a closer look. If your parents are no longer able to open their mail and take care of their bills, you're going to need to get help for them. This is particularly true if their mortgage or utility bills are not being taken care properly.

Empty Cupboards

Look inside the cupboards and refrigerator while you're visiting your parents. If they're no longer able to drive, they may not have any way to get to the store. Not only that, but if they're in the early stages of Alzheimer's or dementia, they may not realize that they haven't gone to the store for food. If your parents don't have food in the house, it might be time to consider an assisted living facility, like Stillwaters Colonial Residence, for them. It's important to note that you should also take a look at your parent's weight. If they look like they've experienced significant weight loss since you saw them last, you should schedule a doctor's appointment for them. They may be suffering from malnutrition.

If your parents are getting up there in years, summer visits are a good time to make sure they're still doing okay on their own. Use the tips provided above to identify potential problems the next time you visit your parents.