Signs your loved one might need live-in care

Sep 24, 2024 | News

As our loved ones age, it’s natural for their needs to change, but sometimes it’s difficult to know when they might require more help than can be provided by family members or occasional visits from a drop-in carer.

If you’re concerned about an elderly family member’s well-being, there are some key signs that may indicate it’s time to start looking at live-in care agencies. There are lots of benefits of live-in care, and here are some of the indicators to look out for, which can help you determine the support your loved one needs.

1, Difficulty moving around

One of the first signs that an older person might need live-in care is difficulty with mobility. If they struggle to get up from a chair, have trouble walking or frequently fall, take action. Decreased mobility not only makes day-to-day activities harder, but it also increases the risk of injury. Live-in carers can help your loved one move around the home safely, while ensuring they retain as much independence as possible.

2, Confusion or memory loss

Mild forgetfulness can be a normal part of getting older, but more significant memory loss or confusion could be a sign of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. If your family member is forgetting to take medications, losing track of time or getting lost in familiar places, it may be time to consider live-in care. A professional carer who is available around the clock can provide close supervision, ensuring medications are taken correctly and your loved one remains safe.

3, Trouble doing daily activities

When day-to-day activities like cooking, cleaning, bathing and dressing become overwhelming or difficult for someone, this is a strong indicator that they would benefit from live-in support. It’s not always easy to recognise if this is the case, but some key signs to watch for include your loved one wearing the same clothes for days or the home not being as clean as it was. These can all indicate that someone is struggling. Live-in carers can lend a hand with meal preparation and household chores, or take over these responsibilities completely if needed.

4, Personal care takes a dip

Pay attention to signs that your family member may be struggling to keep up with personal hygiene, and that live-in help is needed. Are they skipping showers or wearing dirty clothing? Maybe they’re not brushing their hair or teeth as regularly. It’s really important that an older person receives the help they need to maintain personal hygiene – it helps boost dignity and self-worth, as well as overall health.

5, Changes in mood or mental health

Sometimes, mood changes can be a sign of deeper issues at play. If your loved one seems more withdrawn, anxious or depressed, this could tell you that they’re struggling with feelings of isolation or frustration. As well as physical assistance, live-in care also offers companionship and emotional support, which can help to reduce feelings of loneliness and improve overall well-being.

6, Worsening health

If your loved one has a chronic illness like diabetes, heart disease or arthritis, they may reach a point where managing their condition independently is no longer possible. Rather than wait for the situation to become critical, seek out professional care so medications, appointments, and daily health monitoring can be taken care of.

If some of these signs sound familiar, it’s time for you to contact Oxley Care to discuss your loved one’s needs and help improve their quality of life.