Spot the Signs this Christmas
As you spend time with Mum or Dad this Christmas, our checklist can help you spot whether they could use some support to remain independent.
Many of us look forward to spending time with loved ones at Christmas. As parents or other relatives get older, the festive period can also be a helpful chance to check in and see how they are coping at home. While you are together, it can be useful to notice any signs that they might benefit from a little extra support.
To help with this, we have created a simple checklist that families can use to get a better understanding of how their loved one is managing.
The checklist highlights important everyday areas such as:
- Home safety
Using appliances, managing stairs, locking doors - Scam awareness
Are they aware of potential scams and staying cautious - General health
Are they taking medication, sleeping well, experiencing pain, or losing weight - Personal hygiene
Do their hair, nails and clothing look clean and well cared for - Nutrition
Are they eating regular meals and drinking enough, and is food going out of date - Home cleanliness
Are the kitchen and bathroom clean, are the curtains being opened, is the bed being changed - Life admin
Opening post, booking appointments, keeping up with social plans
Other helpful areas to observe are:
- Memory and confusion
- Mobility and balance
- Eating habits
- Changes in hygiene or appearance
- Mood and social interactions
A sudden change in any of these areas can be a sign that some extra support may help your loved one stay independent. This checklist is meant to help you pause, reflect on what you are noticing, and gain a clearer picture of their overall wellbeing.
At Home Instead, many families reach out only after a crisis has occurred. This could be an illness that resulted in a long hospital stay and reduced mobility, or a fall that has taken longer to recover from. Situations like these can mean that someone who once managed everything independently may suddenly need several visits each day, which they may find difficult to accept. Through our experience of supporting adults of all ages, we have seen that starting the care conversation earlier and introducing support gradually can often reduce the likelihood of these crisis moments.
Our Care Professionals are trained to notice changes in their clients and provide practical, compassionate support. They can help ensure medication is taken as prescribed, identify mobility issues that could increase the risk of falls and suggest suitable equipment, encourage healthy eating, help with personal care, and much more. Even a small amount of support each week can help delay the need for more intensive care and gently introduce the idea of having a trusted visitor who offers help with everyday tasks.
You can download the checklist at www.careconversations.co.uk or request a copy by emailing [email protected]
If you would like to talk about how we can support your loved one, please call us today.
