Signs elderly parent needs help
Signs elderly parent needs help could be lifesaving.
Are you worried about your elderly parent living alone? You’re not alone. Across the UK, thousands of people lie awake at night wondering if their mum or dad is truly managing on their own. While maintaining independence is important for our elderly parents, knowing when to implement additional support can be crucial for their wellbeing and your peace of mind.
Many of us struggle to admit when our parents need support. After all, these are the people who raised us, who always seemed invincible in our eyes. But just as they noticed subtle changes in us as we grew up, we must be attentive to changes in their daily lives that might signal it’s time for additional support.
The signs that an elderly parent needs help often appear gradually, making them easy to miss or dismiss. What might seem like a simple forgotten appointment or unopened letter could actually be an early indicator of more significant challenges.
Studies show that loneliness among elderly people significantly impacts both physical and mental health. An elderly person living alone is not only at risk of accidents but also faces challenges with everyday decision-making, medication management, and maintaining social connections that are vital for wellbeing.
Here are the key signs that your parent might benefit from daily check-ins:
• Changes in Personal Care: Unopened post piling up, unwashed dishes, wearing the same clothes repeatedly, declining personal hygiene, or an unkempt home
• Medication Issues: Missed doses, confusion about prescriptions, multiple pharmacy visits for the same medication, or untouched prescription boxes
• Social Withdrawal: Stopping regular activities, fewer interactions with friends, giving up long-held hobbies, or increased dependency on family calls
• Safety Concerns: Burn marks on kettles, unlocked doors, appliances left on, expired food in the fridge, or signs of minor accidents
• Increasing Anxiety: More frequent phone calls (especially at night), reluctance to be alone, expressing fears about emergencies, or hesitation to go out
These signs become particularly concerning when they form a pattern rather than occurring as isolated incidents.
The impact of these solutions can be transformative.
As Margaret from Manchester shares:
“I used to ring Mum ten times a day, always worried when she didn’t answer. Now, with daily check-ins, I know she’s okay even when I’m busy at work. The difference in both our stress levels is remarkable.”
For less than the cost of a daily newspaper, you can ensure your parent is safe, well, and never truly alone.
While traditional solutions like in-home carers or care homes provide comprehensive support, they often come with significant drawbacks. In-home carers can cost upwards of £20 per hour, while care homes mean a complete lifestyle change many elderly parents resist. But leaving elderly parents without support isn’t an option either.
Today’s technology offers innovative solutions that bridge the gap between complete independence and full-time care. Instead of jumping straight to traditional options like care homes or live-in carers, modern AI companions like Evercare’s myai provide:
• Regular daily check-ins at times that suit your parent
• Medication reminders and compliance monitoring
• Friendly conversation and companionship
• Safety checks throughout the day
• Emergency alerts if anything seems amiss
• Peace of mind for the whole family
While traditional care solutions can cost thousands per month, modern technology-based support is remarkably affordable. For less than the cost of a daily newspaper, you can ensure your parent has regular check-ins, medication reminders, and someone to talk to whenever they need company.
Recognising these signs doesn’t mean your parent needs full-time care or needs to leave their home. Often, implementing a daily check-in service provides the perfect balance of independence and support. The key is starting early, before small challenges become major concerns.
Evercare offers a complete halo of protection, from scam-call blocking to compassionate daily check-ins.
