Recognising that your elderly loved one needs care can be the single hardest thing you ever do.
It’s unlikely that your loved one will ask for help themselves, so it is important that you are able to recognise the signs and get them the help they need as soon as possible.
Here are some signs that you can look out for.
Change in Mobility
One of the biggest signs that your loved one may need extra support is if you notice a change in their mobility levels.
By simply observing your loved one perform everyday tasks, you will get a good understanding on whether they need extra support. Do they need more assistance going shopping? Driving? Or getting out of bed? If these things are getting more difficult, it’s time to get the right support.
Changes in Personal Hygiene
Changes in a person’s life, such as forgetfulness, injury or conditions such as arthritis, can make it more difficult to uphold personal hygiene.
Have you noticed that your loved one’s personal hygiene is failing? Have they not managed to wash and dry their clothes? If so, tread the conversation lightly and only bring it up if you know you will not cause any offence. However, it is important that you help them uphold their personal hygiene by getting them the care and support they need.
Neglecting Their Medication
Another sign of failing health is when your loved one is continuously forgetting or neglecting to take their medication. This can be particularly worrying if your loved one suffers with a chronic illness or condition.
Some people may need the support of a carer visiting their home to ensure they are taking their medication and to collect prescriptions for them. By receiving this support, not only is your loved one receiving the care they need but you are also able to relax in the knowledge they are being cared for.
Other Typical Warning Signs
- Increasing forgetfulness
- Changes in personal hygiene
- Seemingly uneasy and unsteady on feet
- Unhappy mood swings, uncommunicative or irritable
The Importance of Talking
Talking about potential care is the most important thing you can do when addressing your concerns to a loved one. They need to know about your worries or concerns and you need to know what sort of care they might want for themselves.
However, it is important to tread carefully when bringing up this discussion. You must explain that you are considering care for their best interests and that you will not force them into anything they don’t want to do.
Whether your loved one is seeking care for themselves or whether they may not realise they need it – whatever the situation is, start with a chat.
How Minster Home Care Can Help
At Minster Home Care, we know that everyone is different and will require different levels of care.
We can offer care packages that fit around you and your lifestyle. Whether you require care 7-days-a-week or simply someone to keep you company, we’ve got trained carers on hand to help.
To find out more about our services and how we can help you or your loved one, contact us today.
Recognising that your elderly loved one needs care can be the single hardest thing you ever do.
It’s unlikely that your loved one will ask for help themselves, so it is important that you are able to recognise the signs and get them the help they need as soon as possible.
Here are some signs that you can look out for.
Change in Mobility
One of the biggest signs that your loved one may need extra support is if you notice a change in their mobility levels.
By simply observing your loved one perform everyday tasks, you will get a good understanding on whether they need extra support. Do they need more assistance going shopping? Driving? Or getting out of bed? If these things are getting more difficult, it’s time to get the right support.
Changes in Personal Hygiene
Changes in a person’s life, such as forgetfulness, injury or conditions such as arthritis, can make it more difficult to uphold personal hygiene.
Have you noticed that your loved one’s personal hygiene is failing? Have they not managed to wash and dry their clothes? If so, tread the conversation lightly and only bring it up if you know you will not cause any offence. However, it is important that you help them uphold their personal hygiene by getting them the care and support they need.
Neglecting Their Medication
Another sign of failing health is when your loved one is continuously forgetting or neglecting to take their medication. This can be particularly worrying if your loved one suffers with a chronic illness or condition.
Some people may need the support of a carer visiting their home to ensure they are taking their medication and to collect prescriptions for them. By receiving this support, not only is your loved one receiving the care they need but you are also able to relax in the knowledge they are being cared for.
Other Typical Warning Signs
- Increasing forgetfulness
- Changes in personal hygiene
- Seemingly uneasy and unsteady on feet
- Unhappy mood swings, uncommunicative or irritable
The Importance of Talking
Talking about potential care is the most important thing you can do when addressing your concerns to a loved one. They need to know about your worries or concerns and you need to know what sort of care they might want for themselves.
However, it is important to tread carefully when bringing up this discussion. You must explain that you are considering care for their best interests and that you will not force them into anything they don’t want to do.
Whether your loved one is seeking care for themselves or whether they may not realise they need it – whatever the situation is, start with a chat.
How Minster Home Care Can Help
At Minster Home Care, we know that everyone is different and will require different levels of care.
We can offer care packages that fit around you and your lifestyle. Whether you require care 7-days-a-week or simply someone to keep you company, we’ve got trained carers on hand to help.
To find out more about our services and how we can help you or your loved one, contact us today.
