Asking for help is hard for all of us, but as age progresses, how do you know when it’s less a luxury and more a necessity to get more support? You will likely have an inkling if you, or someone you love, would benefit from additional care or assistance. But there are also several signs to look out for which may indicate that professional support would be beneficial for you.

Here we highlight the most common signs that indicate your loved one could benefit from additional care.

 

The most common signs your loved one needs additional care

1. Safety Concerns

Feeling safe in your own home is an obvious and essential requirement for anyone. We take all sorts of measures to ensure our homes are safe; from installing locks, gates, even CCTV cameras. But, as we get older it’s important to assess and recognise the potential dangers within our homes.

There are often unrealised dangers in the home which can be hazardous to ourselves or loved ones. Whether that’s unkempt living spaces and cluttered floors, or the lack of fall prevention measures (e.g. grab bars and non-slip shower mats). Features that may seem minor are often overlooked and can cause serious injury to ourselves or those we love. If you are concerned about hazard around the home it is worth researching for Tips to help make a home more safe for senior loved ones.

 

 

2. Cognitive Decline

Many common concerns surrounding aging relate to cognitive decline (memory loss, the loss of short-term memory) and dementia. If you or your loved one is experiencing forgetfulness, becoming easily confused or disorientated it would be worth talking to your GP for advice. Then, they may recommend contacting the Needs Assessment Service Co-ordination (NASC) team for an official needs assessment which determines the level of care support which will best benefit you/your loved one. Learn more about the different types of aged care services available, and the steps to take to apply for care.

 

3. Emotional and Mental Health Indicators

Living at home alone can sometimes feel isolating and can incite feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiousness. These feelings naturally impact both our mental and physical health and can affect an individual’s ability to care for themselves.

If you notice an individual has been withdrawing from social activities, not answering the phone, losing interest in activities they once enjoyed or experiencing sudden changes in mood, these could be signs they are struggling.

Our team are always available to chat and help you navigate your situation. We offer Respite Care services which provide quality short term support in a nurturing environment. In some instances, and dependent on an NASC assessment, respite care may be partially funded by the government through your local health authority. If you or a loved one are experiencing feelings of depression and anxiousness we recommend reaching out to your GP for further guidance.

 

4. Unhealthy Eating Habits & Poor Nutrition

We all know that a balanced diet, nutritional food and optimal fluid intake is critical to our overall well-being and general health. But living alone can sometimes lead to slipping nutritional standards or the reinforcement of negative habits. Missing meals, eating irregularly, or making poor diet choices all indicate an individual may benefit from additional support. Other key signs could also include: having little or no food in the fridge, a loss of appetite, uncommon weight loss or gain and the lack in motivation to prepare meals.

 

 

5. Falls and Injuries

As we age, we are much more prone to slips, trips and falls. Injuries such as fractures and head injuries can have a significant impact on our ability to remain safe at home. It’s important to look out for any unexplainable bruising or other injuries, these should be taken seriously when it comes to your loved one’s safety.

 

6. Medication Patterns

Many people require medication to manage various conditions. It is critical for medication to be taken as it is prescribed, at the right time and the right dose.  If you notice an individual missing or mismanaging their medication this could be an indication for the need of additional assistance.

Our Respite Care services offer short term support by our committed health care professionals and nurses to assist with medication administration. In some instances, and dependent on an NASC assessment, respite care may be partially funded by the government through your local health authority.

 

7. Personal Hygiene

Neglecting to bathe, brush teeth, or change clothes regularly can quickly turn into unhealthy habits. We often find common factors like incontinence make people apprehensive about leaving home and socialising. Neglecting personal hygiene can lead to infections and more serious health issues later down the line. These could be prevented by spotting this sign early and seeking additional support.

 

8. Household Admin Issues

Difficulty with everyday household tasks like cleaning, cooking, or maintaining one’s home can often signal the need for extra support. It may look like spoiled food in the fridge, missed bills, a cluttered home, or laundry piling up. These can be signs of forgetfulness, or simply the results of low energy from having to juggle everything on your own. If you feel you or a loved one would benefit from extra assistance at home speak to one of our team to find an Aged Care Service solution that works for you.

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If you notice several of these signs in yourself, a parent, friend or partner it may be a good time to have an open conversation about getting additional help.

Our team are always here if you would like to chat or need advice.
Call 0800 737 2273.
Or find a care home near you to get local support.

 

See our support video gallery for advice on how to talk to your loved one about care, and more information on what signs to look out for when someone might need more help.