Not knowing who to turn to when we see an elderly person struggling can leave us feeling powerless. You might have noticed someone you love is experiencing difficulties with everyday tasks or that getting around is becoming more challenging. These changes typically indicate that an elderly person is in need of extra support to help them maintain their independence and overall well-being.
If it’s clear that an elderly person requires additional support, you may be wondering how you can help. Whether you’re concerned about an older neighbour or are worried about elderly parents or relatives living alone, there are actions you can take to ensure that they get the help they need.
In this guide we will outline what to do if you are concerned about an elderly person and the steps to take. If you are confused about whether an elderly person is in need of support or not, we will help you spot the signs and help you understand when to be concerned about an elderly parent or friend.
When to worry about an elderly person
There’s no need to worry about every elderly person you know, as most older adults are quite capable of getting on with their daily routines without any extra assistance. From time to time, you might be asked for some help by an elderly neighbour or family member. Picking up some items from the shop or mowing the lawn occasionally for someone in need is usually no cause for concern. Everyone needs a little help now and again.
However, it is often those that do not ask for help that need it the most. This is why it’s so important to know how to spot the signs that an elderly person may be struggling silently.
Here are the most common signs to watch out for if you are worried about an elderly parent or neighbour.
Diet
Unexplained weight loss can be a cause for concern at any stage of life, but if an elderly person you know is changing their eating habits or drastically losing weight, this could indicate an underlying need for support.
It is normal for our appetite to gradually decrease as we age. However, any sudden loss of appetite should be checked on. It may be that an elderly person can no longer shop for themselves or prepare nutritious meals and, therefore, chooses to go without. If they are only eating certain foods, such as cold sandwiches, this could be a sign that they are struggling with everyday tasks like cooking and preparing meals.
Isolation
If you are worried about an elderly parent living alone, it’s important to have a chat with them about whether or not they are feeling isolated or are experiencing loneliness. Often, elderly family members will not freely admit to feeling this way. By starting the conversation, they may open up to you. Together, you can find ways to help support them.
The emotional distress caused by loneliness and isolation can be as damaging to health as physical pain. This can trigger an inflammatory response that leaves elderly people at a higher risk of chronic diseases and vulnerable to infections. Therefore, checking up on an elderly person’s mental well-being is more important than you’d think.
Learn more about the signs of loneliness in elderly people in our guide.
Personal Hygiene
A lapse in personal care could be a sign that an elderly person may be struggling with their daily personal hygiene routines. If a usually well put together individual begins to take less pride in their appearance, wearing unclean clothes and washing less frequently, it may be a sign that they need support carrying out these tasks.
Addressing an individual’s personal hygiene routines can be a difficult conversation to have. Should the situation arise, carefully approaching the subject with empathy and compassion will help your loved one feel comfortable discussing such personal matters.
Involving a carer may be better for handling sensitive subjects than family members. Talking to care professionals about personal hygiene is often easier as they can offer practical solutions with sensitivity and compassion.
Mobility
Increasing problems with mobility is a common sign that an elderly individual may need some additional support. Perhaps you are worried about an elderly mother going up and down stairs or have noticed your older neighbour is struggling to walk across the street. Lack of mobility can put elderly individuals at risk of trips, falls and subsequently frequent hospital visits.
Mobility aids are a fantastic solution for those who do not have the strength or confidence to move themselves due to a disability, illness, or fragility from age. Learn more about mobility aids that can help the elderly live safely at home.
Illnesses
An increased susceptibility to illnesses is common as we grow older. However, if you notice that an elderly loved one has persistent coughs and colds or is mismanaging their existing health conditions, this may be a cause for concern. Whether extra medical support is required or assistance managing medication, it may be time to talk things through and address their care needs.
What to do if you are concerned about an elderly person
So, you might have noticed the signs, but do you know what to do if you are concerned about an elderly person? First of all, tactfully talking through your concerns is a good place to start. Some concerns can be quickly solved in a few easy steps, such as setting up online shopping for an elderly person struggling to get to the supermarket. Other times, you may need to reach out for professional help.
Should you be concerned about an elderly parent or neighbour’s physical or mental well-being, talk to them about visiting a healthcare professional such as a GP. Offering them a ride or going with them for support can encourage them to get the help they need.
You can also seek assistance from the local authority to raise concern about an adult safeguarding issue. If you go down this route, to avoid any chance of misunderstandings, it is advisable to get consent from the elderly individual before contacting the council.
When worry turns into a need for immediate help, it is important to know which services to contact. Should an individual require medical help that isn’t an emergency, call 111 on their behalf. For life-threatening emergencies where immediate action is needed, contact 999.
If an elderly loved one is experiencing difficulties with everyday activities, it may be time for them to consider reaching out to a care service. From visiting care and live-in care to relocating to a residential care home, there are many options available.
Should you be worried about an elderly parent living alone?
Not all elderly people living alone struggle; most are perfectly happy living independently. Worrying about parents is only natural as they age. However, those nagging, worrying feelings can worsen if you feel your loved ones are not coping so well on their own.
If you are worried about an elderly parent living alone, make sure that you look out for signs to see if they are struggling. Regularly checking up on your elderly loved ones ensures that you won’t miss one of the signs that they are experiencing difficulties.
In most situations, it helps to talk. Communicating with your parents or elderly loved ones about your concerns with them living alone is a crucial first step. If they also feel that they are experiencing difficulties with carrying out everyday tasks, living alone in their own home or with mobility, you might want to start a conversation about their care options.
For more information, check out our guide on how to talk with an ageing parent about long-term care.
How home care can help with your concerns
Home care can help support elderly individuals who are struggling with everyday activities and ease your concerns over your elderly parents, relatives or neighbours.
For your elderly parents, home care can provide extra support with the tasks they might find most difficult. From preparing meals to personal care, a home carer can ensure that your loved ones are well looked after in their own homes. For you, home care brings the peace of mind gained from knowing that your elderly loved ones are in safe hands.
Whatever type of care they require, there is a care option available for every individual. For those needing 24/7 home care or care throughout the majority of the day or night, live-in care is recommended. For individuals only needing help with certain aspects of their routines, visiting care may be a suitable option.
For more information on the different types of care, take a look at all the options available to find the most suitable form of home care for your elderly loved one.
