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How to tell if an elderly person needs care

This page provides information and links to supportive resources that can help you identify whether care is needed either for yourself or someone you love.

Autumna is just at the end of the phone. Please contact us for free advice on finding care and living safely whenever you need to.

The signs that someone needs extra support aren’t always obvious

A deterioration in mental and physical abilities can go unnoticed when you see someone every day. Little changes like the odd fall, memory loss or mood swings can be brushed off but sometimes, these changes are clues that help is needed.

When to ask for help with caring for someone you love

Seeing someone who may have been fit and healthy decline can be upsetting, especially if you're used to them being a source of support for you. 

If you’re worried about someone you love, ask for help sooner rather than later.

The responsibility of taking on the care of someone else can be challenging and emotional and often, people feel out of their depth and struggle to know where to turn for advice.

Asking for help doesn't mean you've failed

Even with the best intentions of looking after an older family member or friend, not everyone will have the right facilities or experience to provide the specific care that may be needed. 

For example, some elderly people will mobility issues require mechanical lifts or hydraulic lifts to assist in transferring them safely from one surface to another, while other older adults may need specialist care from a trained nurse. 

People often worry that asking for advice about caring for an elderly relative or spouse will lead to their loved one having to move into a care home but that isn't always the case. Depending on the unique circumstances of the elderly adult, it may be perfectly possible for them to remain at home but receive support from a home care professional. 

7 signs that could indicate that an older person needs care

Confusion and limited attention span

• Failing short-term memory
• Muddled thinking
• Lack of interest
• Reduced activities

Decreased mobility

• Slower on their feet and need more support when walking
• Unable to get out of an easy chair unaided

Recurring ailments

• Persistent coughs and colds
• Persistent aches and pains

Depression

• Always tired
• Getting up late
• Lack of enthusiasm for anything
• Wearing bed clothes all-day
  

Unusual behaviour 

• Doing things that are out of character
• Getting lost
• Leaving doors or drawers open
• Wandering

Anxiety and agitation

• Concern about the unknown
• Frightened by simple tasks or anything unexpected
• Lack of confidence when out of the home environment
  

Increasing neglect

• Dirty dishes in the sink

Your next steps

Find out what care might be needed for you or your loved one.

A GP (or local authority) can conduct a care needs assessment which will help you and the person who may need care determine the level of care needed now and whether it could increase in the future.

A care needs assessment may involve questions including:

• What is impossible?
• What is becoming difficult?
• How are your sight, hearing and mobility?
• Are you taking regular medication?
• If so, is it a combination of things?
• Are there any side effects?
  

Have you or your loved one made an advanced care plan?

Check to see if there is a plan for future care in place, (sometimes this is called an advanced care plan). 

It may be stored in a drawer or with other important documents. These plans can be made with the assistance of a GP, health worker or solicitor and they usually contain information about a person's preferences for their future care. If one is in place, it may provide some clarity about how the person who may need care wants to be looked after.

Care could provide a better quality of life for an elderly person

When people think of care, they usually imagine a care home with nursing, however, Autumna has access to over 26,000 care providers across the UK, including:

• Care homes
• Home care
• Live-in care
• Retirement Living

The differences between the types of care available in the UK

Care homes provide around-the-clock care, safety, security and - above all - new friends. The level of assistance varies between care home providers but usually, older adults who live in a care home require a moderate amount of personal care or very specific and attentive assistance such as dementia care.

Home care is sought by people who are fairly independent but need assistance with chores, maintaining their home and changing urostomy and colostomy pouches. Some people don’t want to move to a care home, so a home care professional can visit at agreed times to assist with daily tasks and mobility.

Live-in care is similar to home care but the biggest difference is that a live-in carer lives with the person receiving care. To have a live-in carer, a spare second bedroom is needed so that they can rest and sleep in their own time. This type of care is usually requested by people who need round-the-clock care.

Retirement living provides companionship in a purpose-built property with security cameras and like-minded neighbours. Retirement communities allow older adults to live independently however, some do include an hour of home assistance within their service charge. Well-behaved pets may also be able to move into a retirement living apartment or bungalow depending on the developer's rules.

Ask for help and we'll be there to listen and to support you

If you have noticed some of these signs and symptoms in a person you love, and would like some advice call the Autumna care advice line today on 01892 33 53 30 or email info@autumna.co.uk

Our friendly team is available to chat 7 days a week (Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm, Saturday 10am - 5pm and Sunday 10am - 4pm).