Signs that your loved one may need care
We discuss signs indicating it's time to consider care in our latest blog, to ensure comfort and independence for loved ones.
Published: 23/04/2024
Most of us will experience a time where we need to provide care for a loved one or family member at some point. Although it's sometimes an exhausting and scary period, early detection of the warning symptoms allows for the implementation of preventative measures that will let your loved one live as comfortably and independently as they can for as long as possible. We discuss the typical signs that it might be time to think about care in our most recent blog post.
They are struggling to maintain their personal hygiene
A change in appearance or body smell could indicate that your loved one requires assistance with personal hygiene. A person may find it difficult to uphold their usual standards of personal hygiene for a variety of reasons, such as a lack of physical ability, mental health problems interfering with their personal care regimen, or a simple forgetfulness to wash and groom themselves every day.
Changes in their weight
If there is a difference in body weight of 10% or greater, this may indicate an issue. They can be losing weight because they aren't eating enough. This may be the result of having trouble preparing meals, having their appetite affected by loneliness or isolation, or forgetting to eat during mealtimes. You can get a fair idea of their eating patterns by going to visit them when they're eating.
Physical and mental changes
Physical changes can include weight fluctuations, falls-related injuries or bruises, changes in personal hygiene, or any combination of these. While mental changes can manifest as mood swings, social disengagement, or the display of new, seemingly out-of-character behaviours. People of all ages can suffer from mental health issues, so it's critical to regularly check in with your loved ones to learn more about their emotional state.
They are no longer able to perform daily tasks
The inability of your loved one to perform daily duties is another important indicator that they may require care. It's possible that you've noticed how messy their house is getting. If they have trouble doing tasks like taking a shower, getting dressed, making a cup of tea, or preparing meals, they can benefit from the assistance of a homecare plan.
Memory loss
Dementia is usually linked to memory loss. It's not always a sign of dementia, even if it might be. It is best to consult your GP if you are concerned that a loved one may be suffering from dementia. People with dementia can be helped to continue being independent for longer periods of time if they receive treatment early on.
As adults age, it is more likely that they may need some additional support. Older adults may require help with day-to-day tasks, or they may need some companionship and a friendly face to share a cuppa. Having a conversation with your loved one about care can be daunting, but it is important that you speak openly so you can discuss the options available together. Discussion topics like medical preferences, living arrangements and financial planning are vital to discuss. It is also important to discuss who will be involved in their care.
What types of care services are there?
There are lots of different types of care services. The level of care that is required will depend on the individual needs of your loved one. Typically, when the signs that someone needs care are identified early on, people can be supported to remain in their own homes with the help of quality homecare services. At Right at Home Central London, our services cover but are not limited to:
- Personal Care
- Companionship & Support
- Dementia Care
- Elderly Care
- Live-In Care
- Respite Care
- Hospital to Home Care
How can we help?
At Right at Home Central London, we can support you and your loved one to develop a unique and personalised care plan that meets their needs and supports them to live a fulfilled life from the comfort of their own home. Whether they love spending time with their grandchildren or completing their favourite crossword puzzle, our team will ensure they are supported to keep doing the things they love.
What happens next?
If you think your loved one may need support or you require further information on our homeware services, please contact a member of our friendly office team on 020 3084 7333. Here is an outline of what will happen next once you have contacted us:
1. Once you have made your initial call, we will take your information, then will book an appointment for a care assessment at your home.
2. After this care assessment, we will match you up with one of our caregivers, and tailor the caregiver you get based on your needs and preferences.
3. We will then introduce the caregiver to you, and then review and adjust your care plan as required.
4. We will also seek regular feedback from our clients to ensure that their needs are being met and exceeded.
