As your relatives get older, understandably you will start to worry about them living at home by themselves. Although they may want to continue living independently for as long as possible, if they’re not as able as they used to be, this can have a negative effect on their quality of life. Thankfully, home support services can help in this regard and having some assistance from a home carer can have a huge impact on your elderly loved one’s day-to-day life.
It isn’t always easy to know when someone requires support though, lots of people will leave it too late to arrange home care services and their elderly relatives will suffer because of this. If you’re concerned about a loved one and you’re wondering whether they would benefit from some assistance from a home carer, below we have put together a list of common signs to look out for that can indicate that your loved one may need some support at home.
Clutter around the home
Not everyone has a spotlessly tidy home, but as your elderly relative gets older, they may find it harder to keep up with daily chores. If you’ve noticed that there is more clutter in their home and their living space is unorganised, they may need some help with general household tasks. A home carer can assist with chores such as hoovering, dusting, laundry and changing bedding, and domestic care can have a significant impact on both physical and mental health.
Visible weight loss
As they get older, it isn’t uncommon for people to lose some weight, however, noticeable weight loss can be a clear sign that your loved one needs some support at home. Your elderly relative may be struggling with their weekly grocery shopping or finding it harder to prepare and cook healthy meals, for example, and they might not realise just how detrimental this can be in the long run. Whilst providing support at home, a carer can monitor your loved one’s weight and nutrition, preventing any worry in regards to their health declining.
Changes in appearance
Poor personal hygiene is always a sign that someone may need some support at home and elderly people sometimes stop showering or bathing as frequently because they’re worried about falling in the bathroom. It isn’t just poor hygiene that you should look out for though and if your loved one stops taking care of their appearance, this can be a sign that they’re struggling to live independently. When their grooming habits change and they’re no longer brushing their hair or cutting their nails, for example, they may benefit from personal care services.
Spending more time at home
Lots of people will make changes to their daily routine as they get older, but if your elderly relative is spending more time at home by themselves, you may want to consider arranging some support for them. Losing interest in hobbies and cancelling plans with friends can have a huge impact on your loved one’s mental wellbeing, and loneliness is really common amongst older people. Companionship care can prevent many of the health risks associated with feeling lonely and a home carer can help your elderly relative get out and about.
Noticeable bruises
It is always important to keep an eye on your loved one’s health and wellbeing when they’re living independently, and if you have noticed bruises on their skin, they may be experiencing some mobility problems. Burns, cuts and other wounds can be a sign that your elderly relative is struggling in the kitchen too, and you may find that some general support will be useful for them. A home carer can help to keep them safe at home and prevent common injuries.
Speaking to someone about elderly care in Altrincham
Whilst age affects different people in different ways, if you have noticed any of the signs mentioned above, it is likely that your loved one would benefit from some support at home. If you would like to find out more about elderly care and support, don’t hesitate to contact us at Beloved Homecare. We can provide you with the home care services that you’re looking for and we can design a bespoke care package specifically for your elderly relative.
Regardless of what day-to-day tasks your elderly loved one has started to struggle with in recent years, our team of outstanding care assistants can provide them with the comprehensive assistance they need. We have many years of experience helping elderly, convalescing and disabled clients continue to live within the comfort of their own homes, and there is no better company to turn to for elderly care in Altrincham or the surrounding areas. Should you have any questions about home care, we will be happy to answer these for you.