One of the first signs of trouble in a senior household is often related to financial management. Bills start piling up, or they get paid twice. The check register becomes illegible, or entries aren't made at all.

There are some simple things you can do to help without completely taking over, which might be met with a good deal of resistance.

Help your parent arrange for direct deposit of Social Security, pension, and other checks that come in routinely. This ensures that they don't get buried in paper piles and that funds get safely into the account as soon as possible.

Then help them set up automatic payment plans with mortgage holders, utilities, insurance and any other routine payment that is consistent month-to-month or quarter-to-quarter.

If you have your parent's financial power of attorney speak with all of their regular creditors such as their utility, mortgage, auto note and insurance companies and ask whether they will notify you if the accounts should become overdue. Some will, some won't.

These steps will at least help insure that the house won't be foreclosed or the utilities disconnected before you even know there is a serious problem.