How Can You Tell If Your Older Loved One Needs Help at Home?
Spot signs your loved one needs help at home with support from Home Instead Redbridge & Walthamstow.
Have you noticed changes in an older loved one recently? Subtle differences in behaviour, mood, or physical abilities can indicate they may need additional support. Recognising these signs early ensures they receive the care necessary to maintain their quality of life.
At Home Instead Redbridge & Walthamstow, we understand how challenging it can be to decide whether an elderly family member needs help. This blog highlights key indicators that your loved one might benefit from extra support and provides information about local services in Redbridge and Walthamstow.
Spotting the Signs: Is Your Loved One Coping?
Changes in an older person’s health or daily habits are often gradual, making them harder to notice. If you’ve recently spent time with an elderly relative, consider these indicators:
Memory Loss and Forgetfulness
Occasionally forgetting appointments, misplacing items, or struggling with familiar names and places can sometimes be part of normal ageing. However, when these memory lapses become more frequent or noticeable, they might indicate the early stages of dementia or another condition. Recognising these signs early allows for timely support and care, helping your loved one continue to live comfortably and confidently. Learn more aboutdementia and its early signs.
Poor Personal Hygiene
If your loved one seems less focused on grooming, wears the same clothing more often, or finds daily routines more challenging, it may be a sign they could benefit from extra support. Maintaining personal hygiene is important for health and confidence, and professional carers can provide gentle and respectful assistance, helping your loved one feel their best.
A Decline in Household Maintenance
An untidy or cluttered home could signal that housekeeping has become overwhelming. Piles of unopened mail, expired food in the fridge, or general disarray may highlight a need for support in managing household tasks.
Behavioural Changes
Withdrawing from social activities, mood swings, or signs of depression can all indicate that your loved one might benefit from companionship or emotional support. Loneliness is common among older adults and can significantly impact their mental health.
Mobility Challenges
Difficulty walking or balancing not only limits independence but also increases the risk of falls. If your loved one struggles to move confidently, they may benefit from mobility aids, home adaptations, or regular check-ins from a carer.
Local Support for Seniors in Redbridge and Walthamstow
If you’re unsure where to turn for help, several trusted organisations offer tailored support for older people and their families. These services are designed to help seniors stay safe, comfortable, and connected in their homes and communities.
Age UK Redbridge and Waltham Forest
Age UK offers a wide range of resources to meet the unique needs of seniors. Their services include:
- Exercise and Falls Prevention: Regular Strength and Balance Classes to reduce the risk of falls and improve mobility.
- Advice and Information: Free guidance on navigating social care, benefits, and healthcare services, ensuring older people access the right support.
- Digital Support: Weekly sessions to empower seniors to use smartphones, tablets, and other technology, fostering better connections with family and friends.
- Nail Cutting Clinics: Proper foot care is essential, particularly for those with limited mobility. Accessible clinics help seniors maintain comfort and mobility.
- Energy Efficiency Support: Personalised advice on improving energy efficiency in the home, helping seniors stay warm and comfortable while managing rising utility bills.
To find out more, contact Age UK Redbridge at 020 8220 6000 or visit their office at 103 Cranbrook Road, Ilford, IG1 4PU. Age UK Waltham Forest can be reached at 020 8558 5512 for additional local support.
Recognising the Early Signs of Dementia
Dementia affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. Recognising the early symptoms allows families to access local support and resources sooner. In Redbridge, initiatives like Dementia Cafés and Singing for the Brain sessions offer opportunities for social connection and emotional support.
Early Symptoms to Look Out For:
- Forgetting everyday tasks or conversations
- Difficulty concentrating or solving problems
- Confusion about time, place, or events
Timely intervention can improve quality of life for both individuals and their families, providing tools and techniques to manage the condition effectively.
How Home Instead Redbridge & Walthamstow Can Help
At Home Instead Redbridge & Walthamstow, we are dedicated to helping families support their loved ones with personalised care services. We know that each individual is unique, and our care plans are designed to reflect their needs, preferences, and routines.
Tailored Support for Seniors
Our team can assist with tasks such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, and personal care. We also focus on companionship, recognising the vital role meaningful interactions play in a person’s overall well-being.
Supporting Families
Caring for an ageing relative can feel overwhelming. Our services provide families with the reassurance that their loved one is safe and supported, freeing up time to focus on quality moments together.
How to Access Local Care Services
Taking the first step towards finding support can be challenging, but there are many resources to guide you. For personalised advice and assistance:
- Age UK Redbridge: Call 020 8220 6000 or visit their office at 103 Cranbrook Road, Ilford, IG1 4PU.
- Age UK Waltham Forest: Contact 020 8558 5512 for tailored support and services.
Reaching out for an initial consultation can help you understand the options and find the best solution for your family.
Building a Stronger Community for Our Seniors
Caring for older people is a shared community effort. Volunteering with organisations such as Age UK offers meaningful opportunities to enrich the lives of older adults. Whether it’s providing companionship, assisting with activities, or offering phone support, every contribution helps foster connection and support. Visit Age UK’s volunteer page to learn how you can get involved.
Donations and legacies also play a critical role in sustaining and expanding local services, ensuring no senior is left without the care they deserve.
Ensuring Quality of Life for Your Loved Ones
Recognising when an older loved one needs help is never easy, but taking action ensures they can continue to live safely and comfortably at home. Whether it’s through the services provided by Home Instead Redbridge & Walthamstow.
By staying alert to the signs of change and reaching out for support, you can provide your loved one with the care, dignity, and independence they deserve. Let’s work together to create a brighter future for seniors in Redbridge and Walthamstow.
If you’d like to learn more about how Home Instead Redbridge & Walthamstow can support your family, contact us today. We’re here to help.
