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Signs Your Loved One May Need Home Care

Published: 17/04/2023

Two hands gently holding a heart-shaped cushion, symbolising care, compassion, and support.

Signs Your Loved One May Need Home Care

For many families, there comes a time when a loved one may need a little extra support to continue living safely and independently at home. Knowing when to consider home care can be difficult, especially when changes happen gradually. However, recognising the early signs can help you put the right support in place before everyday tasks become overwhelming.

Home care provides personalised support in the comfort of a person's own home, helping with everything from personal care and meal preparation to companionship and medication support. In this blog, we explore some of the most common signs that it may be time to consider home care for yourself or someone you love.

Common Signs Your Loved One May Need Home Care

Lack of Attention to Personal Hygiene 

A change in appearance or body odour may be one of the first signs that your loved one may need some Support with their Personal Care at Home. There are different reasons why someone may be struggling to maintain their usual personal hygiene standards; they no longer have the physical capabilities; their Mental Health issues are impacting their Personal Care routine, or they have simply forgotten to wash and clean themselves daily. At Right at Home Solent, our Care Assistants provide respectful personal care at home, helping people maintain their dignity while continuing to live independently in familiar surroundings.

Changes in their Weight 

A change in one's weight is also a sign that you may need to consider Care and Support for them. If there is a 10% difference or more in their body weight, this can be a sign that there is a problem. They may not be eating enough and losing weight as a result. This could be caused by difficulty preparing meals, feelings of loneliness or isolation impacting their appetite or forgetting to eat at mealtimes. A Care Assistant can also help with meal preparation, shopping, and gentle encouragement at mealtimes to help maintain a healthy diet. Right at Home Solent Carers in Fareham, Gosport, Southampton & New Forest East can help with Meal Preparation and Shopping.

Physical and Mental Changes

Physical changes can include bruises or bumps from falls, weight changes, changes in personal hygiene or all of the above. Whilst mental changes can include mood swings, withdrawal from social situations, or displaying new behaviours that seem out of character. Mental health problems can be experienced by people of all ages, so it is important to check in with your loved ones regularly to understand how they are feeling. If you notice any of these in a loved one, they may benefit from home care to help them stay safe, maintain their independence, and give family members greater peace of mind.

They aren't performing Normal, Daily Tasks 

Another key sign that your loved one may need care is that they are unable to carry out daily tasks. You might notice that their house is becoming very untidy. If they struggle with things such as making a cup of tea, showering, getting dressed or preparing meals, they could benefit from a personalised home care plan. Support with everyday tasks such as preparing meals, dressing, housekeeping, or medication reminders can make daily life easier while helping them remain safely at home and with some of our amazing Carers in Fareham, Gosport, Southampton & New Forest East. 

Memory Loss

Memory Loss is typically associated with Dementia. Although it can be a symptom of dementia, that is not always the case. If you are worried your loved one may have Dementia, it is best to seek advice from your GP. When treated early, people that are living with Dementia can be supported to maintain their independence for longer, and stay in the comfort of their own home. For more information on the early signs of Dementia and the Dementia Care we provide at Right at Home Solent in Fareham, Gosport, Southampton & New Forest East, you can read our blog here: 

My Husband has Dementia, What Help Can I Get - https://bit.ly/43DJfjk

How to Cope with a Parent with Dementia - https://bit.ly/3mBq9tc

Dementia Care at Home VS Dementia in a Care Home - https://bit.ly/3zQNQB5

What Home Care Services Are Available?

There are many different types of home care services, and the level of support will depend on the individual needs of you or your loved one. When the signs that someone may need care are recognised early, the right support can help them remain safe, independent, and comfortable in their own home for longer.

At Right at Home Solent, we provide personalised home care across Southampton, Fareham, Gosport, and the New Forest, with care plans tailored to each Client's needs. Our services include:

How Can We Help?

At Right at Home Solent, we understand that every person is different. That's why we create personalised home care plans that reflect each Client's needs, preferences, and daily routine. Whether your loved one needs help with personal care, companionship, or more specialist support, our experienced Care Assistants are here to help them continue living safely and independently at home.

From enjoying time with grandchildren to completing a favourite crossword or taking a walk in the local community, we focus on supporting Clients to keep doing the things that matter most to them.

How Can I Check the Quality of Home Care Services?

Choosing the right home care provider is an important decision. Before arranging care, it's worth checking a provider's Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating and reading independent reviews from Clients and their families. These can give you a better understanding of the quality of care, professionalism, and overall experience.

At Right at Home Solent, we are proud to be rated 'Outstanding' by the CQC, reflecting our commitment to providing high-quality home care across Southampton, Fareham, Gosport, and the New Forest.

You can learn more about us by visiting:

Right at Home Solent - CQC Report

You can also take a look at our Homecare.co.uk Review page, to find out what our clients and their NOKs think about us and our Service. 

Right at Home Solent Homecare.co.uk

So, what next? 

If you've recognised some of these signs in yourself or a loved one, it may be the right time to explore your home care options. Seeking advice early can make all the difference, helping people remain safe, independent, and comfortable in their own home for longer.

Our friendly team is here to answer your questions and help you find the right level of support. Call us on 01329233755 or complete our Contact Us form to arrange a free conversation about your needs.