Spot the Signs this Festive Season
Have you noticed changes in your loved one recently? Here’s how we can help you spot the signs your loved one might need some extra care at home.
This time of year brings people together. For many families, it’s the one time of year when everyone gathers under one roof, sharing meals and traditions. However, amidst the hustle and bustle, it is common for sons and daughters to notice some changes in behaviour and start to feel concern about their ageing parent. Maybe Dad repeats the same story twice in an afternoon. Or Mum seems unusually irritable or confused about plans. Perhaps your Auntie brings up a wedding from decades ago as if it just happened. These little things often go unnoticed during a phone call for example and can easily be brushed off. However, during extended visits, or if siblings or other family raise concerns similar to your own, it may be time to discuss a support plan.
A common theme that we come across at Home Instead Ilkley, Skipton and Settle is that many families are unsure as to how to approach a conversation regarding care. Our team are often asked exactly when that conversation should take place.
What are the Signs?
It’s completely natural for memory to shift a little with age, but when changes begin to interfere with daily life, it may be a sign of something more serious. Here are some key symptoms to be aware of:
Memory loss that disrupts daily routines, especially forgetting recently learned information
Struggling with language, such as forgetting words or substituting unusual ones Difficulty with familiar tasks, like following a recipe or managing bills
Confusion about time or place
Repeating themselves frequently, whether it’s questions, stories, or comments
Poor judgment or personal hygiene changes
Withdrawing from work or social activities they once enjoyed
Mood or personality shifts, such as becoming anxious, suspicious, or unusually irritable
Every type of dementia presents slightly differently. Alzheimer’s, the most common form, often begins with short-term memory issues. Others, like vascular dementia or Lewy body dementia, may bring physical changes, visual disturbances, or more abrupt mood swings. For more detailed information regarding the signs to spot, just read our blog, ‘Spot the Signs’.
The Care Conversation
So, you’ve spotted some of the signs described, and you have concerns about the health of your loved one. But now what? Well, we believe the first step should be to have a conversation with them.
Emma, Deputy Care Manager at Home Instead Ilkley told us that if possible, having the ‘Care Conversation’ before you have any concerns is better. ‘We completely understand that discussing care with your parents can be really tough. It can be a sensitive subject and if approached in the wrong way, it can be a hard one to return to. If the conversation is approached early enough, it can be incredibly useful to find out what your parents wishes are. Are they determined to stay at home? Would they consider downsizing?’
Grace, our Client Service Manager agrees: ‘We also find that if you do have concerns, but you haven’t had that earlier conversation, a really good place to start is through our domestic and home help service. A Care Professional, not in a uniform, can be arranged to come in, not necessarily under the guise of ‘care’ but to help around the home. This could be ironing, for example. We find that once trust has been earned, the level of care can be upped, to example some Companionship Care.’
Why These Signs Matter and Why Early Support Helps
It can be incredibly difficult to accept that a loved one might need care, especially during what’s meant to be a happy time of year. But noticing the signs early opens the door to support that can genuinely improve quality of life, for everyone involved, particularly for those who find themselves beginning to become a family carer.
At Home Instead Ilkley, Skipton and Settle, our Care Professionals are specially trained in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. They don’t just follow routines, they will observe, listen, and adjust care plans accordingly. Our team is skilled in noticing subtle changes in mood, behaviour, and health in their clients. This means care plans stay current, and families are always kept in the loop.
We offer a holistic, person-centred approach, where emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical health. Our clients aren’t just supported, they’re seen, heard, and valued. Whether it’s helping with medication, providing companionship, or simply being a consistent, friendly face, we’re here to help people live well at home for as long as possible.
Just call us to have a conversation about how we can support you and your loved one. Get in touch with Home Instead Ilkley, Skipton and Settle today for expert advice when you need it most.
