7 Signs Your Loved One Needs Extra Support at Home

1. Sparse Kitchen or Spoiled Groceries

A quick look inside the refrigerator or pantry can tell you a lot. Sparse shelves or a collection of expired products might suggest difficulties with shopping or meal preparation, possibly due to mobility or forgetfulness.

How to help: Consider setting up a weekly meal planning and grocery delivery service to ensure they have fresh and nutritious food regularly.

2. Neglected Bills or Home Maintenance

Noticeable accumulations of mail or a decline in home tidiness could indicate challenges with managing finances or maintaining the household. This might be more evident during the winter months when tasks become even more cumbersome.

How to help: Help them organise bills with automatic payments or monthly check-ins to assist with financial management and look at home help & housekeeping options. 

3. Noticeable Weight Loss or Physical Weakness

Unexplained weight loss or visible frailty can be signs of health issues or difficulties in meal preparation. With the increased risk of falls in winter, these signs should prompt considerations for additional support.

How to help: Schedule regular check-ups with their healthcare provider to discuss nutrition and physical health and make sure the fridge is stocked with easy-to-prepare, nutritious foods. 

4. Medication Mismanagement

A disorganised pillbox or confusion over medication schedules can point to struggles with managing healthcare routines. In Portsmouth, many families work with Home Instead to ensure their family members take their medication as prescribed. 

How to help: Double-check what your family member should be taking and seek advice if you think they need help with medication management. 

5. Decline in Personal Hygiene or Appropriate Dressing

If you observe a deterioration in grooming standards or inappropriate dressing for the cold weather, it may indicate difficulties with performing personal care tasks.

How to help: Start a sensitive conversation about personal care and ask questions about how you can help. 

6. Withdrawal from Social Activities or Mood Swings

A noticeable decrease in social engagement or changes in mood could be due to isolation, health issues, or the onset of cognitive decline. Regular companionship, whether from family or Home Instead Care Professionals, has been shown to benefit older loved ones overall well-being greatly.

How to help: Encourage participation in local community activities or senior centres where they can interact with peers, which can improve mood and social connections. Home Instead actively engages in the local community, connecting clients with events that suit them.

7. Home Safety Concerns

Inspect the living environment for any potential hazards, such as loose rugs, inadequate lighting, or cluttered walkways that could pose tripping hazards. Also, check for signs of recent falls or injuries.

How to help: Conduct a safety audit of their home to identify and rectify potential hazards and install grab bars and better lighting where necessary.

How Home Instead Portsmouth Can Assist

We provide tailored care solutions to meet the unique needs of your loved one. From daily task assistance and medication reminders to personal care and companionship, our Care Professionals are here to make a positive impact.

Our team in Portsmouth is engaged with the community and the local challenges, including managing cold weather conditions and connecting older loved ones to community events, ensuring they remain active and integrated within the community.