Sometimes it’s difficult to know if and when your elderly relative or loved one needs some extra care and support. We have come up with 7 signs that your loved one may need some extra help:
1) Unexplained bruises and injuries
If you notice that your loved one appears to have more bruises, bumps or even burns, it could be that they are struggling to carry out essential daily tasks safely such as cooking, cleaning or washing. They could also be having falls or near-misses whilst trying to complete day-to-day chores, resulting in bruises and bumps.
2) Weight loss
If your loved one has lost weight that isn’t as a result of an underlying health condition (always make sure you see a doctor if you/your loved one experience unexplained weight loss), it may be that they are struggling to shop, prepare and cook themselves meals, or that they have lost their appetite, or they are simply forgetting to eat regular meals and snacks.
3) Forgetfulness and confusion
As we get older forgetfulness can become more common, however, if you notice your loved one is beginning to forget things such as: taking medication, paying bills, regular routines and activities, or becoming lost and confused in familiar places, it may be that they are developing a condition such as dementia or Alzheimer’s that both affect memory.
4) A decrease in mobility
Mobility and flexibility declines as we age, however, if you notice that your relative or loved one is suddenly struggling to get up from chairs, avoiding going up and down stairs or finding it hard to reach up to cupboards or complete chores such as cleaning, they may need some extra help and support.
5) A decline in personal hygiene
You may notice that your loved one is wearing dirty clothing, not washing themselves or brushing their teeth. A decline in personal hygiene could be a sign that your loved one is struggling with memory issues or physical health difficulties.
6) An unclean or cluttered home
If you notice a big change in the cleanliness or tidiness of your loved one’s home and garden, it may be that they are finding it hard to keep on top of the housework chores and general cleaning and tidying. It could be that they are struggling physically or mentally with memory loss or overwhelm with the general tasks that need completing.
7) Changes in behaviour and personality
Your loved one may start displaying mood swings, unusual behaviours or becoming increasingly defensive - all of which could be a sign of dementia or mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. Elderly people are particularly vulnerable to becoming isolated and lonely, which can increase their likelihood of developing anxiety or depression.
If you think your relative or loved one may need some extra help and support, please don’t hesitate to give our friendly team a call to find out how we can help.