Could You Spot the Signs? How to Tell When Your Loved One Needs Support

Maybe you’ve noticed the mail isn’t getting opened. The fridge is looking sparse—or worse, full of expired food. Or your once chatty mum suddenly seems more withdrawn. The little things often don’t feel like red flags at first—but over time, they can signal a bigger issue:

Your loved one may need support.

When we think about care, it’s easy to imagine extreme situations—falls, hospital stays, serious illness. But in reality? Most care journeys begin long before any of that. With tiny changes. Quiet signals. Subtle shifts in day-to-day life.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through those early signs—the ones that are easiest to overlook—and show you how to spot them before things escalate. Because when it comes to looking after those we love, the sooner we notice a need, the better the outcome.

Let’s face it—getting older isn’t easy. And neither is watching someone you love struggle, especially if they’re trying to hide it or “get by” on their own.

Often, the most important clues that someone’s not coping well aren’t dramatic. They’re found in the day-to-day:

• Forgetting meds
• Wearing the same clothes every day
• Skipping meals
• Letting the house get messy
• Withdrawing from others

It’s not that they’ve stopped caring—it’s that managing it all is getting harder. And that’s where you come in.

Here’s a breakdown of the key areas to pay attention to, based on Home Instead’s expert-created Spot the Signs checklist​​. Think of this as your go-to guide to gently assess how your loved one is doing—without judgment or alarm.

🧠 Memory and Mental Sharpness

Let’s start with the big one: memory.

If your parent keeps losing their keys, forgets names, or repeats stories within the same conversation—it might just be forgetfulness. But if it’s happening often? It could signal early cognitive decline.

Also, watch out for:

• Missed appointments or confusion about dates
• Leaving appliances on (like the stove)
• Forgetting to take medication

🧼 Hygiene and Appearance

We all have the odd lazy day, but if bathing becomes rare, teeth aren’t being brushed, and clothes stay unwashed—it’s worth digging deeper.

Some signs include:

• Noticeable body odour
• Untrimmed nails or uncombed hair
• Wearing the same outfit day after day
• General decline in grooming habits

Often, this isn’t about “not caring”—it’s about struggling with the physical or mental effort involved.

🍽️ Eating Habits and Nutrition

Here’s one people often overlook: food and drink.

Is the fridge full of out-of-date food? Are they skipping meals or not eating enough? Dehydration is also common and can worsen memory and mood.

Ask yourself:

• Are they cooking less or struggling with simple meals?
• Have they lost weight without trying?
• Are they drinking enough water throughout the day?

🏡 Cleanliness at Home

When you pop by for a visit, take a moment to really look around.

Clutter piling up? Dust and grime that never used to be there? A once-spotless home looking uncharacteristically chaotic?

Red flags include:

• Dirty kitchen or bathroom
• Unwashed bedsheets
• Random objects left in odd places
• Mail stacking up or bills unpaid

It could be physical fatigue… or cognitive overload.

🚪 Safety and Mobility

Trips, slips, and falls are among the leading causes of injury in older adults. So this one’s huge.

Keep an eye on:

• Difficulty getting in/out of bed or chairs
• Struggling with stairs or walking unaided
• Bruises or minor injuries they “don’t remember” getting
• Doors left unlocked or appliances left running

Also, pay attention to lighting and whether hallways or rooms are cluttered with trip hazards.

📆 Managing Day-to-Day Life

Sometimes the signs are in the “life admin” stuff—less obvious, but still telling.

Things like:

• Missing social events they once loved
• Not returning calls or messages
• Losing track of time or important dates
• Unable to find keys, glasses, bank cards

This can indicate mental fatigue, isolation, or confusion.

☎️ Scam Vulnerability

Scammers are, unfortunately, all too aware that older adults can be easy targets.

If your loved one has:

• Responded to suspicious emails
• Answered strange phone calls
• Let unknown people into the house

…it may be time to step in. Often, it’s not just about scams—it’s about a growing vulnerability or lack of judgement.

First off—don’t panic.

Spotting a few of these signs doesn’t automatically mean your loved one needs full-time care. But it does mean it’s time to talk. And the sooner, the better.

Here’s a gentle approach:

1. Keep track – Use our Spot The Signs checklist to log what you’ve noticed over a few visits.
2. Start the conversation – Share your concerns with kindness, not criticism.
3. Get professional input – A GP or home care provider can help assess needs.
4. Explore support options – Even a few hours of help per week can make a big difference.

If you’re ticking 10 or more boxes on the checklist? That’s a solid sign it’s time to act.

But What If They Refuse Help?

Totally normal. Many older adults fear losing their independence—and the idea of accepting help can feel like admitting defeat.

What helps:

• Involve them in the decision-making
• Emphasize how care can keep them independent
• Start small: companionship, help around the house, support with meals

Remember, support doesn’t have to mean “giving up control.” It can mean gaining peace of mind.

If you’ve been wondering, “Am I overthinking this?”—you’re not.

Noticing the signs is an act of love. Taking steps now can help your loved one stay safe, happy, and independent at home for longer.

Start by observing. Then start the conversation.

And when you’re ready for the next step? Home Instead can help—with compassionate, reliable home care tailored to your family’s needs.

📞 Call Home Instead Cleveland at 01642 309650
📧 Or email: [email protected]

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