Professional Comment

Expert Shares 5 Indicators That Your Loved One May Need Care

Danforth Care’s Managing Director Kate Desmond shares her tips on knowing when your elderly family member needs extra support.

No one wants to see a loved one struggling, which can make thinking about care options an emotional experience. There is also a lot to consider, and it can be overwhelming and daunting.

To make sure your loved one gets the support they need, it’s important to be on the lookout for telltale signs that their current situation is no longer suitable. To help, Kate Desmond, Managing Director at the care home provider Danforth Care shares five indicators that your loved one may need care.

5 indicators that your loved one may need care

1. Daily living challenges
“A warning sign that your loved one may need care is if they are starting to find everyday tasks more difficult. If they are struggling with decreased mobility and are finding tasks such as personal hygiene or cooking challenging, it may indicate that they would be more comfortable and safer with care,” says Kate.

“Signs to look out for if they are finding daily living and mobility more difficult may include frequent falls, rapid weight loss, worsening personal hygiene and a hesitancy to leave the house,” advises Kate.

2. Isolation and loneliness
“If you think your loved one is lonely and feeling isolated, even with regular visits from family, it may be time to consider a residential care home. Loneliness amongst elderly people is very common, especially amongst those who increasingly suffer from mobility issues and struggle with confidence to leave the house, resulting in them having limited interactions,” says Kate.

“In a care home setting, your loved one would have the company of their peers as often as they wanted, and they would be able to enjoy clubs, outings and events which can help to combat loneliness.”

3. Chronic illnesses getting worse or harder to manage
“Many people living with long-term chronic illnesses can manage well independently. However, if you suspect or observe that your loved one’s illness is getting harder for them to manage, care may be necessary to help keep them safe,” says Kate.

“If they are struggling to keep up with medications, doctors’ appointments or treatments, this could lead to further health complications, and therefore extra support is vital for their health and happiness.”

“If someone is already receiving care visits and you feel they are still struggling to keep on top of their health conditions, it is likely time to consider 24-hour care options.”

4. Cognitive decline
“For someone with a degenerative cognitive disease such as dementia, getting the right care is very important for their physical and mental wellbeing. Especially when someone is in the later stages of a disease like this, it can be dangerous and distressing for them if they don’t have full-time care.”

“Signs such as mood changes, memory loss, trouble keeping time and communication problems can indicate your loved one needs more professional care, “says Kate.

5. Caregiver strain
“It is very common that caring for a loved one can have an emotional and physical impact on the carer. If the strain is getting too much for them and they seem overwhelmed, it may be time to source more professional care as this can lead to the inability to provide adequate care. Some things increase the chances of caregiver burnout such as living with the person needing the care and struggling to financially support themselves and their loved one,” says Kate.

“Key signs to look out for are caregivers becoming withdrawn, constantly exhausted, struggling to focus or often talking to you about their worries.”

“If you’re not sure whether your loved one is getting the support they require, then requesting a Care Needs Assessment, either from the local authority or from a private care home, is the next step. The assessment will consider their health, living arrangements, social or emotional needs, and support network to establish the best type of care for your loved one,” advises Kate.