Is Your Elderly Loved One Struggling at Home?

Changes in an older adult’s abilities or behaviour can often go unnoticed during brief visits or phone calls. In our case, we hadn’t realised how we tended to fill in the gaps during conversations until one of our client leads spoke to my uncle. He struggled to find answers, and that’s when the extent of his challenges became clear.

Here are some key signs that may indicate a loved one needs extra care:

Mobility Difficulties

• Are they struggling to get up from a chair, navigate stairs, or maintain balance?
• Are they using furniture for support or shuffling when walking?
• Basic tasks like vacuuming, washing dishes, or cooking might become too difficult, leading to skipped meals or reliance on snacks like cereal or biscuits.

Behavioural Changes

• Are they withdrawing from social activities or showing signs of confusion or irritability?
• Behavioural changes may point to mental health concerns or early cognitive decline, such as dementia.
• For instance, my uncle, once an avid Sudoku solver and newspaper reader, found these activities too complex as his dementia progressed. Encouraging new, manageable hobbies—like tinkering with nuts and bolts in his garage—helped maintain his sense of purpose.

Decline in Personal Hygiene

• Are they skipping baths or neglecting grooming?
• Physical discomfort or memory issues may be the cause. Consider practical solutions such as a chair in the bathroom or labelling wardrobe hangers with days of the week. Simple reminders can make a significant difference.

Medication Mishaps

• Are they forgetting to take medication or taking incorrect dosages?
• Setting alarms may work temporarily, but medication management often requires professional support to ensure consistency and safety.

Poor Nutrition

• Are they skipping meals or losing interest in food?
• Challenges with meal preparation or eating can lead to weight changes and low energy. Professional carers can help with grocery shopping, meal preparation, and ensuring nutritious meals are enjoyed together.

Financial Mismanagement

• Are there unpaid bills, forgotten expenses, or unusual spending habits?
• These can indicate cognitive difficulties. Introducing a Power of Attorney might help share the responsibility for managing finances.

Discussing care options with elderly loved one can be delicate. Many older adults fear losing their independence or feel embarrassed about their limitations. Approaching the conversation with empathy is key.

Tips for Starting the Discussion

• Express Concern: Share your observations. For example: “I’ve noticed you’re finding it harder to move around the house. How can we make things easier for you?”
• Focus on Benefits: Emphasise how care enhances their life. For example: “Having someone to help with cooking or cleaning might give you more time to enjoy what you love.”
• Involve Them in Decisions: Including your loved one in discussions shows respect and ensures they feel valued.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, now is the time to explore care options. At Home Instead Altrincham, Sale, and Wythenshawe, our dedicated team offers personalised support tailored to each individual’s needs.

Reach out today to learn more about our services. Together, we can ensure your loved one remains safe, comfortable, and happy at home.