Something has shifted. You are not sure what it means yet. Six questions. Two minutes. A clear picture of where your parent is right now, and exactly where to go from here.
When something feels off with your parent, what do you actually do?
A.
I call more often for a few days and see if it passes.
B.
I write it down. I have been keeping a mental list of things I have noticed over the past few months.
C.
I Google it, go down a rabbit hole, and close the tab without knowing what to do with what I read.
D.
I bring it up with them directly and go from there.
2.
Think about the last time you visited in person. What stayed with you after you left?
A.
Something I noticed but could not quite explain to anyone else.
B.
That things were mostly as I expected, maybe a little different, but nothing I could point to specifically.
C.
A specific moment or incident that I keep coming back to.
D.
The feeling that I was watching something shift, even if nothing had technically gone wrong.
3.
When you picture them on a Tuesday afternoon, what do you see?
A.
I am not sure. That is part of what worries me.
B.
Mostly their normal routine. Maybe slower, but managing.
C.
Someone who is getting by, but in a way that feels more fragile than it used to.
D.
I find myself filling in the gaps because I genuinely do not know what their day looks like anymore.
4.
Has anything happened in the last six months that you have not fully told anyone about?
A.
A few things, yes. Nothing dramatic, but things I noticed.
B.
One specific thing that I cannot stop thinking about.
C.
Not really. Things have been fairly stable.
D.
More than one thing. I have been watching a pattern.
5.
When you imagine having the conversation about what comes next, what is the hardest part?
A.
Knowing what to say first.
B.
Not knowing what category I am seeing even falls into.
C.
Whether I am overreacting or not reacting enough.
D.
Knowing it will change things, and not being sure I am ready for that.
6.
If someone asked you right now, "Is your parent safe?" What would you say?
A.
I think so. But I say that with less certainty than I used to.
B.
For the most part, yes, with some things I want to keep an eye on.
C.
I honestly do not know. And that uncertainty is part of why I am here.
D.
I am not sure "safe" is the right word anymore for what I am watching.
Quiz Outcomes
1.
Still Safe (For Now)
You are attentive and noticing changes, but overall things look stable. Keep checking in, document what you see, and trust your instincts while avoiding panic.
2.
Time To Think About Assisted Living
You are picking up signs that deserve attention, though nothing feels urgent yet. Have a calm conversation soon and make a plan for closer observation or small supports.
3.
What You Are Seeing May Be Memory-Related
You are noticing multiple worrisome signs that are becoming a pattern. Open a direct conversation, involve other family or professionals if helpful, and start planning concrete next steps.
