For most of us there will come a time when we realise that a family member or loved one requires some support to remain independent. Generally this occurs as adults age, and care can be anything from some companionship with a cuppa to support with day to day tasks.

While this can be a difficult time for everyone involved, knowing the early warning signs and having a plan in place to ensure they can stay in their own home for as long as possible can provide reassurance for you all. In this blog, we talk about the signs that indicate it may be time to consider care.

• Personal hygiene changes

If your loved one is struggling to maintain their usual standards of personal hygiene, it may be an indication that they no longer have the physical capability, they are struggling with memory loss meaning that they have forgotten to wash or clean themselves on a regular basis, or that their mental health concerns are impacting their personal care.

• Weight changes

A weight change of 10% or more can indicate that there is a problem. Memory problems could be at play, causing them to forget to eat and losing weight as a result, or it may be physical limitations meaning that they struggle with coordination or the ability to stand and cook a meal. They could also be struggling with loneliness which can negatively impact appetite. To get a good indication of their eating habits, consider visiting at a normal meal time.

• Mental changes

Changes such as a previously sociable person withdrawing from social situations, mood swings, or new behaviours that seem out of character can all be indicators that someone is struggling. These are not limited to the elderly, so check in with your loved ones regularly.

• Struggling with daily tasks

While we consider tasks such as showering, making a meal or cup of tea or even simply getting dressed as fairly simple, struggling with these sorts of things can be early indicators that your loved one could benefit from a homecare plan.

• Memory loss

Although memory loss is typically associated with dementia, it is not always the culprit. If dementia is a concern, approach your GP for advice. If dementia is recognised and treated early, a person living with it can be supported to stay independent for longer than if it is not spotted early.

Having the care conversation

Having a conversation with your loved one about care can be daunting, but by ensuring that they understand it is not a case of ‘putting them in a home’ it can be easier to approach. It is important that you discuss the options available together. If your loved one seems resistant to the discussion, move on -  you may find that they bring it up of their own accord at a later date. These conversations are rarely ‘one and done’ - they are more likely to be a series of chats.

Ensure they understand you want to help support their independence and keep them doing the things they love for as long as possible, and that this is simply a case of making sure that they have all the tools in place to do that.

What type of care services are there?

There are many types of care services, and the level required will depend on individual needs. With early recognition and quality homecare services, people can be supported to remain at home for longer. At Right at Home North Somerset, 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 North Somerset, 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?

Contact our team to arrange a convenient time for us to visit you. At this visit we’ll discuss your needs and how we can help, we can answer any questions you may have regarding our services and their costs. After this we’ll begin putting together your Personal Care Plan, and matching you with the right caregiver for your needs.

If you think your loved one may need support or for more information on our homecare services, please contact a member of our friendly office team on 01934 235 410.