Recognising when a loved one needs help at home and whether to seek support from a care agency can be one of the most challenging decisions a family faces.
Many people will go on to support their loved ones themselves, whether by visiting them regularly or living with them. However, as time goes by and a person’s health deteriorates or needs become too much, the signs that additional support may be required often become impossible to ignore.
Assistance from a care agency enables individuals to continue living in their own home, supported by a personalised care plan tailored to their needs and routines. Whether it involves help with personal care, everyday tasks, or support following an illness, home care offers a flexible alternative to residential care, keeping people in the comfort of a familiar environment.
So, when is it time to start exploring home care services?
Changes in Personal Hygiene or Appearance
Changes in appearance and hygiene are often among the first visible signs that someone needs additional support. You might notice your loved one:
- Wearing dirty or mismatched clothing
- Body odour due to a lack of personal hygiene
- Overgrown nails or unbrushed hair
Often, these changes are not due to laziness; it may be that they are struggling physically, experiencing depression, or having memory lapses that affect routines.
Struggling with Daily Tasks
Many older adults begin to find everyday tasks more physically demanding, and may need assistance with activities such as preparing meals, hoovering, laundry, managing medication, and attending appointments. If you’ve noticed:
- The fridge regularly has minimal contents
- The home is becoming untidy
- Bills are piling up or the post is unopened
- Medication is being missed or taken incorrectly
These could all be early signs that your loved one may benefit from assistance at home.
Increased Forgetfulness or Missed Appointments
It is natural for us all to forget things sometimes, but if you’ve noticed your loved one is becoming regularly forgetful with things such as:
- Repeatedly misses doctor appointments
- Forgets to take medication
- Leaves appliances on
- Struggles with time and dates
- Repeats stories frequently
These signs could be early signs of cognitive decline, such as dementia or mild cognitive impairment. It is always best to book an appointment with your GP for an assessment.
Increased Falls or Unsafe at Home
Falls are among the most common threats to older adults living at home; even a minor fall can cause serious injury or fear, leading to reduced mobility and increased dependence. Things to look out for:
- Difficulty getting in and out of bed or chairs
- Unexplained bruises or injuries
- Unsteadiness while walking
It is essential to ensure the home is as safe as possible, remove clutter and trip hazards and look into aids such as a walker and grab rails.
Social Withdrawal or Mood Changes
Has your loved one become more isolated, anxious, or withdrawn?
Social withdrawal and emotional changes can be just as serious as physical changes:
- Avoiding phone calls or visitors
- Losing interest in hobbies
- Being unusually quiet or irritable
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness
These feelings could be caused by the loss of a familiar daily structure, reduced mobility or a bereavement. Over time, isolation can lead to a decline in mental health and even a physical illness.
If you’ve noticed any of these changes, it is essential to explore ways to ensure your loved one’s safety before things become more serious.
With the proper support, your loved one can feel secure and safe in their own home, reducing the likelihood of hospital stays or premature admission to a care home.
At Papillon Home Care, we offer flexible, person-centred care at home services that cater to individual needs.
From a few calls a week to help with domestic tasks, social enrichment and ensure they are keeping on top of meals/personal hygiene, to multiple calls a day to support with washing, dressing, meals and medication.
Our home support changes with your loved one’s needs.
We understand that each person’s needs are unique, and so our services are tailored to each individual. Whether you’re looking for short-term support following illness or long-term care, the Papillon care team is here to help.
We offer domiciliary care services throughout Folkestone, Hythe, Hawkinge, Lympne, The Marsh and Dover. Our compassionate care team is made up of trained carers who are dedicated to supporting individuals in a familiar environment, close to loved ones and the life they know, helping them stay in their own home rather than a care home.
If you are looking for a local care agency to support you or your loved one, give Papillon Home Care a call.
Call our team on 01303 255785
Email: hello@papillonhomecare.com
Find out more about our care services
Complete our care enquiry form
