The festive season and the new year often bring families together, creating unforgettable moments and reconnecting with loved ones. For many, it can also be a time when concerns about a family member’s well-being become apparent.
Perhaps you noticed changes in their mobility, memory, or overall health during Christmas that you hadn’t recognised before. If you find yourself in this position, rest assured you are not alone, and it’s natural to wonder what to do next.
Many people think a care home is the only option, but we want to reassure you that home care is a fantastic alternative, offering many benefits.
Noticing the subtle signs
Often, it can be difficult to notice the gradual decline in a loved one’s health over the course of the year. However, spending time together during the festive season can highlight changes in their health, demeanour, and overall well-being.
Noticing the subtle signs that there have been changes to a loved one’s health requires a blend of observation, empathy, and open communication. A number of factors can indicate early underlying issues, including:
Increased frailty or loss of independence: Struggling with simple tasks such as dressing or preparing meals.
Memory lapses: Forgetting recent events or conversations.
Changes in mood: Increased irritability or withdrawal from social interactions.
Social withdrawal: Decreased interest in social activities and hobbies.
Physical changes: Weight loss, decreased appetite, or unexplained fatigue.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, there are many ways to gently approach your loved one and express your observations with care.
Starting the conversation
Discussing care can be a sensitive topic for many, as it touches on independence, health and life changes. Here are ways you can approach this conversation with a close relative:
- Prepare yourself: Spend time looking into the different options available, by researching the services, location and pricing. Understanding the various options will help you to approach the conversation with confidence.
- Choose the right time: Find a quiet and comfortable setting where you can have an open and honest conversation with your loved one about your concerns. Creating the right environment will make it easier for your close relative to share their thoughts and feelings.
- Bring up the conversation appropriately: It can take time for your loved one to feel comfortable with the idea of care, we recommend bringing it up every so often where appropriate, as this will give them time to think about it, while keeping the topic high on your agenda.
- Listen to their preferences: Have empathy and understand their perspective to help find a solution that will be right for them. Acknowledging their priorities will help you work together to find the best option, making them feel heard and respected.
- Introduce the options available: Explain that there are many care options available, and this doesn’t mean moving into a care home, there can be a flexible and tailored solution to meet their needs. Highlighting the different options can ease anxieties and make the idea of seeking for care more approachable.
- Be patient: Discussing care can be a difficult topic to talk about with a loved one, but it is also challenging for the individual to accept that this is an option they may need to consider.
How we can help
At The Good Care Group, we offer a range of care options and services following a complimentary consultation with one of our experienced care managers.
Our care options include live-in care, providing around-the-clock support for more complex needs and hourly care, where a carer can visit at intervals throughout the week to assist with personal care or light housekeeping.
Respite care is also available as a short-term solution for when the primary caregiver needs a break to rest and recharge, or to assist with recovery following a recent hospital discharge.
Other types of care are available to suit individual requirements.
Home care near me
If you’ve noticed your loved one needs extra support, The Good Care Group provides care across England and Scotland.
Find out more about our five-star-rated home care and book your free consultation today on 03330 605 255. Let’s create a plan that works for your family.
