Signs Your Loved One Might Need Care

Why a little bit of support is a good idea

Every week, we receive calls from worried family members wanting to talk about care for their Mum or Dad. Worried, because while the signs are there, their parent is adamant that they don’t need care and don’t want it – and that is where the discussion ends. Often, the parent is right: they may not need any care services right now. However, there is a strong possibility that they will benefit from it, in both the short term and the long term.

Contrary to what many people think of when they hear “care in the home”, care services are not about removing or reducing independence. Good home care makes sure that a person can stay in their own home and live as independently as possible, getting support only with the things they can’t do for themselves, and enjoying their life.

Many of our clients have been resistant to care when they first start out with us. However, after only a few weeks, they realise that they look forward to the company, and have more energy to do the things they enjoy, because we help them with the things they might find tiring, or don’t look forward to. Later, if their health declines, they have the benefit of already having support in place, having built up good relationships with their carer – all it takes is a telephone call, and we will be on hand as much or as little as needed. 

Signs your loved one might need care

Research shows that acting on early warning signs by putting preventative measures in place is better than waiting until the need becomes urgent. Here are some common signs that it might be time to consider care for your loved one:

• They are struggling to maintain their personal hygiene

A change in appearance or body odour may be a sign that your loved one needs support with their personal care. There are different reasons why someone may be struggling to maintain their usual personal hygiene standards; they no longer have the physical capabilities; their mental health issues are impacting their personal care routine, or they have simply forgotten to wash and clean themselves daily.

• Changes in their weight

If there is a 10% difference or more in body weight, this can be a sign that there is a problem. They may not be eating enough and losing weight as a result. This could be caused by difficulty preparing meals, feelings of loneliness or isolation impacting their appetite or forgetting to eat at mealtimes. Visiting them during mealtimes will give you a good indication of their eating habits.

• Physical and mental changes

Physical changes can include bruises or bumps from falls, weight changes, changes in personal hygiene or all the above. Whilst mental changes can include mood swings, withdrawal from social situations, or displaying new behaviours that seem out of character, mental health problems can be experienced by people of all ages, so it is important to check in with your loved ones regularly to understand how they are feeling.

• They are no longer able to perform daily tasks

A key sign that your loved one may need care is that they are unable to carry out daily tasks. You might notice that their house is becoming untidy. They might struggle with things such as making a cup of tea, showering, getting dressed or preparing meals.

• Memory loss

Memory loss is typically associated with dementia. Although it can be a symptom of dementia, that is not always the case. If you are worried your loved one has dementia, it is best to seek advice from your GP. When treated early, people living with dementia can be supported to maintain their independence for longer.

People can display a few signs or many, to a higher or lesser degree. It is different for everybody, but if you are concerned, it is better to speak to someone and get advice as early as possible.

How do I talk to my Mum or Dad about having some help?

Having a conversation with your loved one can be daunting but try to speak openly so you can discuss the options available together. If you are worried about persuading your parent to accept a bit of help, here are some tactics to try:

• “Peace of mind/Do it for me” Sometimes, asking them to agree to the support as a favour to you can work. Explain that you are worried about them, and that it would give you great peace of mind to know that they are safe and cared for.
• “Try it out” If someone is unsure, it can be easier to persuade them to trial the care for a short period. If they agree to try it out, they are likely to see the benefits after only a few weeks, when they have built up a good relationship with their caregiver. Talk to the care agency so that they are aware, and they should be happy to support you with this.
• “What if” It can be very stressful trying to find the right care when something has happened and there is suddenly an urgent need. You might be limited for choice as many care agencies won’t be able accept new clients at short notice. If there is already some care in place, a good agency will be able to increase the level of care with minimal notice.

What types of services are there?

There are lots of different types of care services. What level of care is required will depend on the individual’s needs. One of the many advantages of home care is that it is completely flexible and can be adapted to suit the person. You can read about what kinds of services Right at Home Eastbourne & Bexhill offer here.

Can I choose the care company I want?

It is a common misconception that you must go with the provider that is recommended by your Local Authority, hospital, or other healthcare professional. But the fact is that your right to choose in enshrined in law. Regardless of how your care is being paid for, you have the right to approach whichever home care provider you see fit. However, if you are eligible for funding, do be aware that this may not cover the rates of the provider of your choice. If your local authority is paying for your care directly to the care company, the company might ask you to make top-up payments. You can also ask your local authority for Direct Payments, which means that you receive the agreed funds directly, to choose and buy the services you need with full control.

My loved one has agreed to have some help - what should I do next?

If you have the time to do a little bit of research, it is time well spent. You can read the latest report on any care company on the CQC (Care Quality Commission) website. Independent review websites such as Homecare.co.uk have reviews from service users and next of kin and will give you an idea of what you can expect. And of course, look at company websites, where you will find plenty of information.

Next, make a shortlist of the care companies you like the look of, and give them a ring. Ask for information to be sent to you by post or by email, so that you don’t have to memorise or write everything down. If you live in the area, consider visiting some care companies in person (it might be a good idea to call ahead to make an appointment, to make sure you get to see the right person/s).

How Right at Home Eastbourne & Bexhill can help

When you call or visit us, we will have a chat about what sort of assistance you are looking for and what sort of outcomes you have in mind. We will also be happy to book a home assessment with you and your loved one where we will discuss specific needs and create a care plan together. This will be based around their care needs as well as their personality, interests, and preferences, so that we can match them to the right caregiver.

Putting a bit of home care in place may seem like a huge task, but it doesn’t have to be. A good company will support you every step of the way, keep you informed and make it as easy as possible for you and your family.

If you would like to hear more about our services and how we can help, give us a ring on 01323 414 658 to speak with our friendly office team.