“She wore a heavy coat on a hot day and didn't seem to notice.”
Grooming, clothing, or self-care has noticeably changed.
They dress inappropriately for weather, neglect hygiene, or show a clear decline in personal care compared with past habits.
Dressing casually at home or occasionally skipping grooming does not necessarily indicate a cognitive issue.
A sustained change from lifelong habits may deserve observation, especially if reminders do not help or judgment seems affected.
Helpful things to notice
- Is this different from their usual standards?
- Is it due to low mood, physical limitation, or confusion?
- Do reminders help?
- Does it affect going out or social life?
- Is it paired with mood or behavior changes?