Signs Your Loved One May Need Care
Published: 06/10/2025
Watching a loved one grow older is filled with love, reflection, and sometimes quiet concern. Have you noticed small changes - unopened post, missed appointments, or a little less sparkle in their day-to-day? These signs can be subtle, but they may be your loved one's way of showing they need some extra help.
Recognising the need for care early can make a meaningful difference to their health, happiness, and independence. Here are some common signs to look out for in your loved one - and how we can support them locally in Salisbury, Andover, and surrounding villages.
1. Forgetfulness or Confusion
Frequent memory lapses, missed medication, or getting lost in familiar places may indicate early dementia or cognitive decline.
How we help: Gentle reminders, reassurance, and structured routines to maintain confidence.
Local support:
- Alzheimer's Support Wiltshire - dementia day clubs and services
- Salisbury Memory Café - social groups for those living with memory issues
2. Poor Nutrition or Weight Loss
If your loved one is losing weight, relying on biscuits or ready meals, or forgetting to eat, they may need support.
How we help: Meal planning, shopping assistance, and fresh meal preparation - even sharing meals to encourage eating.
Local Support:
- Age UK Wiltshire Wellbeing Checks with Meals - providing lunchtime meals every day of the year for older people in Wiltshire and Swindon
3. Decline in Personal Hygiene
Wearing the same clothes daily or struggling with grooming may signal that personal care is becoming difficult.
How we help: Respectful assistance with washing, dressing, and grooming while preserving dignity.
4. An Untidy or Unsafe Home
Piles of unopened mail, dust, or trip hazards can indicate physical or emotional difficulties managing the home.
How we help: Light housekeeping and support to maintain a safe, comfortable environment.
5. Issues with Medication
Missed doses or confusion around tablets can be dangerous.
How we help: Medication reminders or assistance to ensure routines are followed safely.
6. Falls or Mobility Issues
Bruises, reduced movement, or holding onto furniture for stability may indicate risk of falling.
How we help: Mobility support and falls prevention strategies to increase safety and confidence.
Local Support:
- Falls Prevention Exercise Programme (hosted by Wiltshire Council)
7. Withdrawal or Isolation
Has your loved one stopped attending church, lunch clubs, or seeing friends? Loneliness can lead to health decline.
How we help: Companionship visits for conversation, outings, and shared hobbies.
Local Support:
- Silver Salisbury - Provide a detailed brochure on local events specifically for reducing loneliness.
- Reengage Salisbury - Comapnionship charity reducing loneliness in later life.
8. Mood Changes or Low Mental Health
Sadness, irritability, or loss of interest in favourite activities may signal emotional distress.
How we help: Compassionate companionship and emotional support to uplift and reassure.
Local Support:
- Avon and Wiltshire Community Mental Health Teams - referral required but provide support for mental health in adults.
- Wiltshire Mind - support for empowering individuals to take control of their own mental health and wellbeing.
9. Struggles Getting Out and About
If your loved one is missing appointments or avoiding outings, they may need confidence or assistance to get out.
How we help: Accompaniment to appointments, social events, and errands to keep them connected to the community they love.
Local Support:
- Amesbury HOPPA Community Bus - a timetabled service offering affordable transport to local shops, work, business and leisure
- Downton Link - volunteer run transport
What To Do Next
If you're noticing one or more of these signs, you're not alone - and it's okay to feel unsure. Many families feel guilt or worry about introducing care. But getting support often means giving back freedom, dignity, and happiness.
At Right at Home Salisbury & Andover, we're here to help - from an initial friendly conversation to creating a personalised care plan that works for your loved one and family.
Call us today on 01722435615
Email us on: salisbury@rightathome.co.uk
We're proud to support families across Salisbury, Andover, and surrounding villages - helping loved ones stay safe, happy, and independent in the place they call home.
