Spot the Signs: Could a Loved One Be Struggling with Dementia?

Learn how to spot early signs of dementia in loved ones with guidance from Home Instead Epping Forest. Download our free checklist and get local support.

Three people sitting on a blue couch happy and smiling while chatting and with two green cups on the table

Noticing small changes in a loved one can be unsettling. Perhaps they’ve misplaced something or forgotten how to get home from the shop. You may wonder – is this just part of getting older, or something more serious?

At Home Instead Epping Forest, we understand how difficult these questions can be. That’s why we’re helping families across our community spot the early signs of dementia and feel confident about taking the next step. This May, we’re taking lots of initiatives to tackle dementia awareness and support families in our area.

An older female adult with white hair being helped by a younger female carer wearing green inside the bedroom

What to Look Out For

Dementia doesn’t arrive with a flashing neon sign. It often begins quietly, with subtle shifts that are easy to brush off, until they start to add up. Here are some changes that could signal it’s time to check in more deeply:

Memory & Confusion

– Repeating the same questions

– Misplacing items regularly

– Forgetting appointments or important dates

– Getting lost in familiar places

Home & Personal Care

– Decline in hygiene: unwashed clothes, skipped showers

– Untidy or cluttered home that’s usually well kept

– Food going off in the fridge, or meals left uneaten

– Piles of unopened post or unpaid bills

Safety Concerns

– Leaving appliances on

– Not locking doors

– Struggling with stairs or navigating the home

When It's Not "Just Old Age"

We often hear “Mum’s just getting older” or “Dad’s always been forgetful.” But some things go beyond the normal ageing process. Recognising the difference early can prevent accidents, relieve family stress, and allow your loved one to keep living safely at home with the right support.

Here’s a helpful way to think about it:

If you’re spotting multiple small signs that don’t sit right, don’t ignore them. One missed pill or forgotten name might not mean much. But a pattern of changes could mean your loved one needs more help than they’re letting on.

A female carer wearing green and smiling while helping an older male adult inside the bathroom

The Spot the Signs Checklist

To support families in Epping Forest, we’ve created a checklist to help you assess how your loved one is managing, including:

Daily Living & Wellbeing

– Are they eating regular, balanced meals?

– Do they remember to take medication?

– Is their mood generally calm and content?

Home & Hygiene

– Is the house clean and safe?

– Are they showering, brushing their teeth and dressing as usual?

Organisation

– Are they responding to messages and staying connected socially?

– Can they locate essentials like glasses, wallets or keys easily?

Safety

– Are they locking doors, turning off appliances and moving around the home without risk?

If you answer “no” to more than a few of these, it might be time to check out our Spot the Signs checklist or even start the conversation about care. That doesn’t mean rushing into decisions; it just means taking a breath and gently exploring how to support their needs.

Talking About It

Starting the conversation is often the hardest part. No one wants to feel like they’re losing their independence, and it’s natural for loved ones to downplay the changes you’re seeing. That’s why we encourage families to approach it with care and compassion:

– Choose the right time: Avoid high-stress moments. A quiet chat over tea works better than springing it on them during a busy day.

– Use “I” language: Say “I’ve noticed…” instead of “You’re always…”

– Focus on your concern, not criticism: Emphasise that you want to help them stay safe, well, and happy.

Having a cup of tea while chatting together outdoors