It can be hard to know when you may need to consider some form of assistance in the home or even elderly care for your loved ones. Day to day deterioration can be gradual and if you visit on a regular basis can be especially hard to spot until they suddenly become more urgent. If you are a more infrequent visitor, you may of course notice some changes when you do visit.
There are some keys signs that you can look out for that may give an indication that your loved ones need some extra assistance or support and that it is now time to consider looking for that help, whether it comes in the form of in home care or some type of residential care.
Lower hygiene standards
You might notice a larger number of unwashed dishes in the sink, a generally messy house – where once it was always very tidy, foods in the fridge that have gone out of date. These can be an indication that your loved one is perhaps finding it hard to deal with some of the everyday tasks around the home that most of us take for granted. It may be that they are struggling with living alone but are too proud, or find it too difficult, to mention that they might need help.
If your loved one is a particularly house-proud person then this may well be one of the first signs you might notice.
Poor personal care
Personal care can be a very difficult subject to broach with a loved one but if you notice that someone who was always immaculately dressed has got to the stage where they frequently have food stains down their clothing or are wearing the same outfit repeatedly then it may be an indication that they are struggling with tasks like laundry. It may also be noticeable that someone who never left the house without makeup and carefully arranged hair has suddenly stopped doing these things. In the first instance your loved one may simply benefit from some form of home help– in fact they might be quite relived if you suggest it.
Mental changes
Often the first time we are alerted to changes in our loved one is through a phone call from a friend or neighbour. It may be that they have spotted some behaviour that gives them cause for concern. Perhaps your loved one has been going out dressed inappropriately for the weather which may be out of character for them, or they have been going out at odd times and the neighbour is concerned for their safety. It may simply be that they seem confused a lot of the time and the neighbour has noticed this through day to day conversation.
