Spot the Signs: Start the Care Conversation Before Crisis Hits
You know your loved one better than anyone—how they take their tea and stack the dishwasher. But what if one day, something feels off?
You know your loved one better than anyone—how they take their tea, stack the dishwasher, and the little quirks that make them them. But what if one day, something feels off?
At Home Instead Ilkley, Skipton and Settle, we’re encouraging families to spot the signs early. Because when it comes to conditions like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s, small changes in behaviour can be the signals that help us step in before things reach crisis point.
When her mum started forgetting appointments and leaving the oven on, her daughter Emma brushed it off at first, after all, aren’t we all a bit forgetful sometimes? But when she noticed her mum losing weight and wearing the same clothes for several days, something clicked – It wasn’t just memory anymore, her mum just didn’t seem like herself.
Emma got in touch with our team at Ilkley, unsure if it was ‘time for care’. We reassured her that she was doing the right thing because spotting the signs early means more choices, more dignity, and more support for everyone involved.
Common Signs to Watch For
Every week, we hear from families across our community who’ve spotted one or more of these signs:
- Memory loss – forgetting recent events, appointments, names or unopened letters piling up.
- Personal hygiene issues – wearing the same clothes or not bathing regularly
- Medication difficulties – missed pills or taking them at the wrong time
- Nutritional changes – unexpected weight loss or untouched food
- Safety concerns – burns from cooking, trip hazards, or falls
If any of these seem familiar- don’t panic. These changes don’t mean someone needs full-time care overnight, but they are often a sign that some extra support could help.
One Family’s Story: Support That Grows With You
For Emma’s mum, we matched her with a lovely Care Professional for twice weekly companionship and light housekeeping visits. Her Care Professional who popped in for lunch, helped with the laundry, and gently reminded her to take medication. Over time, as trust grew, we were able to offer support with personal care too. Our Care Professional was also able to help get Emma’s mum out and about in Ilkley to meet friends and enjoy some light exercise.
The result? Emma’s mum now eats three balanced meals a day, feels more confident leaving the house, and even goes to a weekly knit-and-natter group in Skipton. And for Emma? Now when she visits, she’s a daughter again, not a carer. Mum and daughter can enjoy each other’s company without worry.
Having the Care Conversation
So, what do you do when you’ve noticed a few changes? This is where Care Conversations come in.
We understand that it’s not always easy. Sometimes, talking about care can feel like crossing a line or you may feel at risk of hurting a loved one’s feelings. But the earlier you have the conversation, the more choice, dignity, and support you can offer your loved one.
Start Gently…
You don’t have to jump in with, “you need a carer.” Instead, why not try:
- “I know how house-proud you are, let’s get someone in to take care of the bits that are getting tricky – we could easily get someone to do the ironing for you.”
- “Everyone drives so fast now don’t they, it makes me nervous to drive as well. We can’t let this stop you from getting to choir each week -you know, we could get someone to drive you there and back”
- “Would it help if someone joined you for lunch or a chat during the week?”
Let’s Talk, Before It Gets Too Late
Spotting the signs, starting the conversation, and putting small supports in place can make all the difference. If you’re unsure where to begin, our team at Home Instead Ilkley, Skipton and Settle are here to help guide you—whether it’s advice, a friendly chat, or an in-home assessment. Get in touch today.
