5 signs an ageing loved one may need support

January is rolling in, and it’s bringing with it this a surge in families reaching out for a bit of extra love and care for their beloved elders.

How do you know if your ageing loved one may need further support? Maybe mom’s sharing her favourite stories a bit more often, or dad’s not as into his meals lately. A parent flying solo might be feeling a bit lonely, missing those regular friend meet-ups.

We know about the obvious signs, but what about the subtle shifts we might miss?

1. A bit of mess at home? Life happens, right? Maybe they can’t handle the vacuum or bend down like they used to.
2. Spotted some bruises? As we age, bumps and falls can happen. A little bruise might be a sign they had a tumble – they might not always spill the beans.
3. Any ancient groceries in the fridge? Forgetfulness could be playing a role, or it might be the early stages of a change in cognition.
4. Birthday card confusion? Imagine getting a bunch of cards, and your loved one’s like, “Who are these from?” That could be a subtle hint of something going on upstairs.
5. Not feeling social lately? Confidence can take a backseat, and suddenly, staying home becomes the new plan. We all know community connections are gold, so it’s a bit worrying when that starts to fade.

If you’ve picked up on any of these signals in your loved ones, don’t stress – help is right around the corner. Home care can kick off with just a couple of hours a week, offering a hand with light housekeeping, a friendly face for company, or a little support to venture out.

We are here to offer support right from those first signs, give us a call on 01743387650 and we can match one of our amazing Care Professionals to your loved one.