5 signs that an elderly parent needs home care

As people age, they become less mobile, their vision and hearing can deteriorate and they could develop health issues, causing them to need extra support around the home.

Some older people are fiercely proud of their independence and will be opposed to being dependent on others and may conceal the fact that they are finding it more challenging to manage.

If you are unsure whether your elderly relative or friend needs home care, look out for the signs that show they are finding daily tasks more difficult.

Signs to look out for:

Changes in appearance

If your loved one’s physical appearance changes, this can be a red flag that they need extra help at home and can be due to a deterioration in their physical and/or mental state.

Changes can include:

• Poor personal hygiene
• Unpleasant body odour
• Weight gain
• Weight loss
• Dishevelled appearance 
• Hair not brushed
• Untrimmed nails
• Dirty clothes

Changes in behaviour 

If your relative or friend has recently been bereaved and lost their partner, they may be suffering from loneliness. Loneliness has been found to be as damaging to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, with social isolation causing higher blood pressure and stress as well as triggering overeating and alcohol consumption.
Loneliness can also affect people’s mental health and is linked to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and sleep problems.

Changes can include:

• Being withdrawn and quiet
• Losing interest in activities which they once enjoyed
• Reluctant to see family and friends
• Getting confused and agitated about things
• Sleeping more than usual
• Mood swings

 

Memory loss 

 

You may notice that your friend or family member is skipping meals or forgetting to take medication they are on or that they are struggling to carry out day to day tasks that they did effortlessly previously.

Other signs include:

• Repeatedly forgetting names
• Getting disorientated in their own house
• Finding it difficult to follow conversations
• Missing important appointments
• Putting items in illogical places

Unable to do basic household tasks 

 

You may find your family member or friend who is normally very tidy and house proud starts to let the laundry pile up and stops cleaning the house. This may be due to mobility issues or they may simply forget to do it or they may just find the whole thing too overwhelming.

Look out for:

• Excessive hoarding 
• Unopened mail
• Urine odour that may indicate incontinence
• Dirty plates and cups

 

Reduced mobility and falls

 

People slow down when they age and become less mobile. Their eyesight can worsen and they can become unsteady on their feet. These can lead to falls causing bruises, sprains and broken bones which can all take longer to heal as you get older.

If it seems as if their safety is at risk, then it is definitely time to start looking for home care. In the meantime, go around the house looking for trip hazards such as rugs or furniture and clutter sticking out. 

They may not want to tell you they have had a fall as they might not want to worry you or they may be anxious they will lose control over their lives if they seem unable to cope.

So keep a look out for:

• Bruises
• Burns 
• Marks on their bodies

If home care is needed

 

Once you have identified that your parent or loved one needs extra support in the home, you should contact your local Right at Home and get a care needs assessment as that will determine how much care they require and what level of care they need.