What to look for

There are some simple signs to look for when deciding if your elderly parent needs domiciliary care including:

1. Difficulties with daily living 

If your elderly parent is struggling with basic daily tasks such as keeping their home clean and tidy, upkeep of their home exterior or garden, managing their medication, food shopping, meal preparation and eating; these may be signs that they need some in-home help. 

2. Changes in appearance

A noticeable decline in personal hygiene may indicate that your elderly parent is struggling to manage. You may notice a reduced effort in their personal appearance, including wearing dirty clothes, not bathing or brushing their hair.

3. Forgetfulness and cognitive decline

Memory loss and cognitive decline can impact a loved one’s ability to manage their daily life. If your parent is experiencing increased forgetfulness, confusion or difficulty in making decisions, it may be a sign that they need additional support. Look out for signs such as unopened post, unpaid bills, an empty fridge, unreturned phone calls or regularly getting lost when out walking or driving.

4. Health problems

Limited mobility or difficulty in getting around the house can pose a significant risk to your parents’ safety. Be mindful of challenges with walking, getting in and out of bed or moving around the home. Also look out for signs of a decline in their overall health, such as sudden weight gain or loss, fatigue, bruising from falls, hearing or vision loss and complaints of dehydration, muscle weakness, insomnia or excessive sleeping.

5. Loneliness and social isolation

Elderly people often face social isolation, especially if they live alone. If your parent is showing signs of loneliness, depression, or withdrawal from social activities, our domiciliary Carers can provide companionship and emotional support by engaging them in regular conversation, accompanying them on outings and helping them to maintain a connection with their family, friends and community.

Why choose Bright Care as your domiciliary care provider

Signs of decline will vary from person to person. As elder care experts, our Bright Care team can assess the specific care needs of your loved one. We recommend involving your parent in the decision-making process, as respecting their preferences can contribute to a smoother transition if domiciliary care is needed. We offer support with:

Our team would be delighted to hear from you to explore how we can help with your loved one’s domiciliary care needs. Please call us on 0330 024 1327 or complete our contact form.

Our in-home domiciliary care services include hourly daytime care, live-in care, overnight care, dementia and Alzheimer’s care and respite care.

All our clients have access to our emergency call out service, 24/7 and 365 days of the year, giving you peace of mind that there is always someone on hand should you or your loved ones need support.