It’s never easy watching a loved one struggle with everyday tasks or noticing changes that suggest they may be finding life at home more difficult. Many families delay seeking support because they’re unsure whether the challenges they see are normal ageing or signs that extra help is truly needed.
Recognising these indicators early can make a significant difference to safety, wellbeing, and overall independence. Here are 10 key signs that your loved one may benefit from home care support.
Personal hygiene tasks such as washing, dressing, grooming, or using the bathroom can become challenging with age or declining health. Signs include:
Wearing the same clothes repeatedly
Unclean hair or body odour
Struggling with shaving or brushing teeth
Avoiding baths or showers
Home care can provide gentle, respectful assistance that maintains dignity.
If your loved one is unsteady on their feet, struggling with balance, or has experienced a recent fall, this is a major warning sign.
Falls often go unreported because older adults don’t want to worry family members.
Live-in or domiciliary carers can help with safe transfers, mobility, and fall prevention.
Occasional forgetfulness is normal, but persistent memory issues may indicate cognitive decline or early dementia.
Watch for: Missed appointments, Getting lost in familiar places, Confusion about time or date, Repeating questions or stories frequently.
Specialist dementia care at home can provide structure and reassurance.
Malnutrition is common among older adults living alone.
Look for signs such as: Empty or expired food in the fridge, Relying on snacks instead of meals, Forgetting to eat, Sudden weight loss.
A home carer can prepare meals, remind your loved one to eat, and monitor nutrition.
If you notice unopened mail, overdue bills, or confusion over money, your loved one may be overwhelmed or experiencing cognitive difficulty.
This is often one of the earliest signs families see.
A once tidy home becoming cluttered, dusty, or unclean can indicate that daily tasks have become too difficult. Examples include: Laundry piling up, Dirty dishes left for long periods, Difficulty managing rubbish or recycling, Toilets or bathrooms not being cleaned
Support services can help keep the home safe and comfortable.
If your loved one stops attending clubs, church, social events, or even speaking with friends, they may be experiencing loneliness or depression.
Companionship services can provide emotional support, social interaction, and encouragement to stay connected.
Medication errors are extremely common and can be dangerous. Watch for: Forgetting doses, Taking tablets twice, Not understanding instructions, Refusing medication due to confusion
Home carers can provide medication reminders or administration support.
Emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical health. You may notice: Irritability, Anxiety, A sudden loss of interest in hobbies, Tearfulness, Low motivation
Regular companionship and routine support can make a huge difference.
If your loved one has stopped driving or is anxious about going out alone, it becomes harder to attend medical appointments or run errands.
A home carer can assist with transport, accompaniment, and community outings.
At Tendernest Care Limited, we provide a wide range of home care services across Suffolk, Norfolk, and Essex, tailored to each person’s needs. Our support includes: Personal care, Live-in care, Companionship, Dementia care, Palliative support, Medication assistance, Help with meals, housework, and daily routines.
Our carers are compassionate, fully trained, and committed to helping individuals live safely and comfortably in their own homes.
If you’ve recognised any of the signs above, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Book your free care consultation today to discuss your loved one’s needs.
