High on Life: Signs an Older Loved One Needs Help Now
Karen WeHunt Harden urges families to watch for confusion, missed medications and struggles with daily tasks, because aging parents often insist they are fine.
Karen WeHunt Harden's "High on Life" column in The Woodruff Times (August 23, 2026) is a caregiving warning for families with aging parents. Here is our summary.
She lists the signs to watch for. An older loved one may lose any sense of urgency or deadlines, or struggle to take prescriptions and supplements on time. They may have trouble reasoning through or answering simple questions, or get unusually frustrated with phones, automated systems or technology. Everyday tasks like feeding pets, bathing, dressing or doing their hair may become hard. Or they may sound fine on the phone but clearly are not when you visit.
She shares a family story in which her mother suddenly became confused. A doctor visit found an infection and dehydration as the cause.
Her message is that when an elderly relative starts acting out of character, act quickly and get them seen. They will often insist they are fine, and stubbornness can be dangerous.
This is a personal column, not medical advice. Sudden confusion in an older adult is a reason to call their doctor promptly, and in an emergency call 911.