Spot The Signs

Know when it’s time to seek support.

Is your loved one showing signs they may need help at home?

As our parents and older family members age, small changes in their behaviour or routines can be easy to overlook. But what may seem like minor forgetfulness or fatigue could actually be early signs that they need extra support.

At Home Instead Lewes District and Uckfield, we believe in empowering families to recognise these subtle but important indicators. That’s why we’ve launched our ‘Spot the Signs’ campaign – to help you identify when to seek external support.

What should you look out for?

Some of the most common early warning signs include:

  • Unopened mail piling up

  • Missed medication or confusion with doses

  • Burnt or expired food in the kitchen

  • Difficulty keeping up with hygiene or grooming

  • Declining balance or falls

  • Lack of interest in meals or weight changes

  • Isolation, confusion, or low mood

These are more than just ‘getting older’ – they could point to health concerns, cognitive issues, or mobility challenges.

Why it matters

Ignoring these changes or putting off conversations can lead to greater stress down the line – for both your loved one and your family.

The Spot the Signs’ checklist, developed by Home Instead, guides you through assessing your loved one’s:

  • Safety at home

  • Nutrition and hydration

  • Physical and emotional health

  • Personal hygiene

  • Scam awareness

  • Ability to manage life admin like bills and appointments

If several boxes raise concern, it may be time to seek professional advice and explore how care at home can help.

How Home Instead Lewes District and Uckfield can support you:

We understand how emotional and overwhelming it can be to start this journey. That’s why our Care Professionals provide trusted, compassionate support tailored to each client’s needs.

Whether it’s companionship, home help, personal care, or specialist dementia care, we’re here to help older adults thrive safely at home- and to support families like yours every step of the way.

Free community event – learn more in person

Want to learn more? Join us for our Spot the Signs information evening:

This is a welcoming, no-pressure evening designed for anyone concerned about an older adult in their life. Whether you’re already caring for someone or just beginning to notice changes, we encourage you to attend.

Book your FREE tickets here