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Deciding when a loved one might need extra help at home can be one of life’s tougher moments. You want to respect their independence, but at the same time, you can’t ignore the signs that they might be struggling. It’s not about jumping to conclusions but recognising when someone could genuinely benefit from a little support.
Here, we’ll go over some of the tell-tale signs, how to approach the conversation with care, and when it might be time to seek professional advice.
Life changes, and so do our abilities. It’s natural for older relatives or loved ones to slow down, but there are certain things to look out for that might suggest they’re finding daily life a bit more challenging than they let on.
1. Changes in Personal Hygiene
Has Mum stopped washing her hair regularly? Or perhaps Dad’s not shaving like he used to? Declining hygiene is often a subtle sign that tasks like bathing or grooming have become physically difficult or too tiring.
2. Trouble with Medication
Forgetting to take prescribed medications—or taking the wrong dose—is another red flag. With so many tablets and schedules to juggle, it’s easy for anyone to get muddled, but consistent mistakes can have serious health consequences.
3. Loneliness and Isolation
Living alone can be tough. If your loved one seems withdrawn, isn’t socialising like they used to, or you catch them saying they feel “a bit lonely,” this might be affecting their mental wellbeing. A lack of interaction can spiral into depression, which is something you definitely want to avoid.
4. Mobility Issues
Are they struggling to get up the stairs or reach for items in the cupboard? Falls or near-misses can be a big warning sign. Even if they insist “I’m fine,” you might notice they’re not moving around as confidently as they once did.
5. Difficulty Managing the Household
Piles of unopened post, an overflowing bin, or expired food in the fridge—these might seem like small things, but together they can indicate that managing the house has become overwhelming.
Talking about care is a delicate subject. You don’t want your loved one to feel like you’re taking over or implying they can’t cope. Here are some tips for approaching the topic sensitively:
If you’ve had the conversation and they’re open to the idea, the next step is exploring professional care options. Domiciliary care—or home care—can provide tailored support while allowing them to stay in their own home.
A care professional can assist with:
If they’re not ready to commit to regular care, many services offer flexible arrangements, so you can ease into it gradually.
It’s always better to address these issues sooner rather than later. Ignoring the signs might lead to more serious problems, like health complications, falls, or emotional distress. Getting help in place early can improve your loved one’s quality of life and take some of the worry off your shoulders too.
Recognising when someone you care about might need extra help at home is never easy, but it’s a vital step towards ensuring their safety, health, and happiness. By keeping an open dialogue, showing empathy, and seeking professional advice when needed, you can support your loved one through this transition with dignity and care.
After all, getting a bit of extra help isn’t about losing independence—it’s about giving them the best chance to enjoy life to the fullest.
At Nannies 4 Grannies Ltd we offer Companion Care and Support for residents in St Albans, Harpenden and the surrounding areas. Contact the office on 01582 764305 to discuss the range of specifically tailored services we can provide for you or an elderly loved one. For full details go to our website Nannies 4 Grannies. Stay up to date with older issues by following us on Twitter or Facebook
