Moving a loved-one into a care home is one of the hardest decisions a relative must make (Image: Getty)
An expert’s finally revealed the crucial five tell-tale warning signs an aging loved-one may need extra support ….and go into care.
A new report in Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), aided by the London School of Economics, claims dementia will rank among the top 10 causes of death, in 166 out of the world’s 195 countries, by the year 2040.
Paola Barbarino, CEO of ADI, also revealed that by 2050, the number of people living with dementia is projected to nearly triple to 139 million.
Now the managing director of UK care home provider Danforth Care has shared with Express readers her tips on knowing when your elderly family member needs extra support, like in a care home.
Kate Desmond explained how no-one wants to see a loved-one struggling, which can make thinking about care options an emotional, overwhelming and daunting experience.
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Kate Desmond, MD of UK care home provider Danforth Care (Image: Handout)
She told us how to make sure your relative gets the support they need, it’s important to be on the lookout for telltale signs their current situation is no longer suitable.
1. Daily living challenges:
Kate says: “A warning sign that your loved one may need care is if they are starting to find everyday tasks more difficult – struggling with decreased mobility and finding tasks such as personal hygiene or cooking challenging, it may indicate that they would be more comfortable and safer with care.
“Signs to look out for if they are finding daily living and mobility more difficult may include frequent falls, rapid weight loss, worsening personal hygiene and a hesitancy to leave the house.”
2. Isolation and loneliness:
Kate: “If you think your loved one is lonely and feeling isolated, even with regular visits from family, it may be time to consider a residential care home.
“Loneliness amongst elderly people is very common, especially amongst those who increasingly suffer from mobility issues and struggle with confidence to leave the house, resulting in them having limited interactions.
“In a care home setting, your loved one would have the company of their peers as often as they wanted, and they would be able to enjoy clubs, outings and events which can help to combat loneliness.”
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3. Chronic illnesses getting worse or harder to manage:
Kate: “Many people living with long-term chronic illnesses can manage well independently. However, if you suspect or observe that your loved one’s illness is getting harder for them to manage, care may be necessary to help keep them safe.
“If they are struggling to keep up with medications, doctors’ appointments or treatments, this could lead to further health complications, and therefore extra support is vital for their health and happiness.
“If someone is already receiving care visits and you feel they are still struggling to keep on top of their health conditions, it is likely time to consider 24-hour care options.”
4. Cognitive decline:
Kate: “For someone with a degenerative cognitive disease such as dementia, getting the right care is very important for their physical and mental wellbeing.
“Especially when someone is in the later stages of a disease like this, it can be dangerous and distressing for them if they don’t have full-time care.”
“Signs such as mood changes, memory loss, trouble keeping time and communication problems can indicate your loved one needs more professional care.”
5. Caregiver strain:
Kate: “It is very common that caring for a loved one can have an emotional and physical impact on the carer. If the strain is getting too much for them and they seem overwhelmed, it may be time to source more professional care as this can lead to the inability to provide adequate care.
“Some things increase the chances of caregiver burnout such as living with the person needing the care and struggling to financially support themselves and their loved one.
“Key signs to look out for are caregivers becoming withdrawn, constantly exhausted, struggling to focus or often talking to you about their worries.
“If you’re not sure whether your loved one is getting the support they require, then requesting a Care Needs Assessment, either from the local authority or from a private care home, is the next step.
“The assessment will consider their health, living arrangements, social or emotional needs, and support network to establish the best type of care for your loved one.”