If you know someone very well and have known them for a very long time, like a relative, it can be hard to spot when they first start to need to live in care. Here are some of the first indications we see when a relative needs live in care.
Changes in physical health and mobility
An obvious sign that someone needs live in care is when they have difficulty moving around their home. You might spot them having difficulty getting up from their sofa or chair. They might be spending prolonged amounts of time sitting and not moving. This can cause them to gain weight which by itself can make it more difficult to move.
An older or infirm person might shuffle around to avoid falls or you might spot signs that they have been stumbling, like unexplained bruises on their face, arms or legs. This can happen gradually over a long time and can be difficult to spot especially as they may not want to admit that they are not steady on their feet.
If a relative has recently been in hospital for an illness or an accident, it may cause restricted movement. They may be on crutches, or the doctor may prescribe a period of rest when they come home from hospital. Respite care can provide temporary help in this situation. If the physical change is permanent, like wheelchair use, loss of sight, or limited mobility, for example after a stroke, live in care can provide the support needed to live safely at home.
Changes in eating habits
Weight gain or weight loss is a sure sign that a relative may no longer be taking care of themselves in the way they once did. An older person may find their appetite declines due to physical changes in their digestive system, loss of smell, taste or vision. They may be feeling lonely or depressed and isolated and so consider eating a waste of time. Medication, food intolerances, and illnesses like cancer can affect appetite.
One sure sign of lack of appetite is food that is left in the fridge to spoil. Another is that they might pick at the food that is served and not eat much. The subsequent lethargy that comes from a bad diet can also be a sign that a relative may need someone to help them prepare healthy food and enjoy it. We find that just having someone to talk to while preparing and eating food makes it more enjoyable.
Decline in personal hygiene and self care
The third sign that a relative might need live in care we notice is a decline in personal hygiene and a lack of self care. This can be caused by difficulty with fine motor coordination (often spotted when the older person is unable to open a jar in the kitchen) which can have an impact on personal care. The older person might struggle to reach up and adjust the shower or brush their hair. They might not be able to reach down to cut their toenails which can then cause pain in their feet while wearing shoes. If they have fallen or slipped when they’ve got into or out of a bath, there might be a reluctance to bathe.
If you notice that a relative is wearing the same clothes repeatedly or not washing them, it might be a sign that they are struggling with daily tasks or could be an indication that they are struggling mentally. In either case, they may need help with their personal care, getting dressed, bathing, and housekeeping.
Neglect of home environment
Everyone has to deal with daily household tasks like sorting bills and maintaining the home. One sign that a person may not be coping at home is an untidy and disorganised living space. This is especially true if they have always previously been a house proud person.
The regular routine of vacuuming, washing dishes, wiping down surfaces becomes more difficult as we age and our energy lessens. Post arrives whether or not we deal with it and a pile of post or bills is a sure sign that they are not being dealt with. If you spot these signs, it might be time to have a conversation about bringing in support at home or using domiciliary care.
Cognitive and behavioural changes
This is the sign we worry about the most, whether our older relative is one of the many people affected by dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. One in three people in the UK will develop dementia (Alzheimer’s Society). Early signs of dementia can be difficult to spot but they include confusion, memory loss and anxiety.
- Does your relative have difficulty remembering things that happened recently?
- Does your relative have trouble with making decisions or following a series of steps?
- Has your relative’s behaviour changed recently? Are they moody or withdrawn?
- Is your relative having difficulty sleeping due to anxiety?
- Can your relative follow a conversation and take part? Can they find the right word they want to use?
All these cognitive and behavioural changes are signs that someone might need help to continue to live safely at home. Live in care can provide safe, secure care daily or 24/7.
Medication management issues
If your relative forgets to take their medication or takes more than they should do as the recommended daily dose, it may be a sign that they need help with medication management. Arranging repeat prescriptions, fetching them from the pharmacy and then issuing them when required can all be services that are part of live in care.
Social isolation
One of the obvious signs of cognitive or physical decline is social isolation. If it is difficult to move at home, it will be even more difficult to access community services and get out to activities. Hearing loss and sight loss can impact the ability to be able to get out and spend time outdoors, exercising or socialising with others.
There may also be a loss of interest in hobbies and activities that were previously enjoyable and part of a weekly routine. Withdrawing from activities increases isolation and loneliness. Having someone who can help you to access activities, go outside to exercise and accompany you while shopping all make a difference to mental health.
Increased need for assistance
If you have noticed that your relative is phoning you more frequently to ask for help with daily tasks or ringing at night, it may be a sign that they need live in care assistance. If they require help with managing finances or paying bills, managing normal household tasks, or need personal care then a regular trusted carer can be useful.
Signs a relative needs live in care
These signs all indicate that a relative needs help at home. This can be short term respite care after a hospital visit or it can be long term live in care to ensure that they are looked after and can stay in their own home for as long as possible.
Signs that a relative needs live in care include changes in physical health and mobility, a decline in personal care, neglecting the home, cognitive and behavioural changes, medication management issues, social isolation, and increased calls for assistance.