What are the first signs an older person may need help at home?

The first signs are often small changes in how safely or confidently a person manages everyday life.

They may not need substantial care. A little practical support with cleaning, meals, transport or personal care can sometimes help them remain independent at home for longer.

Signs to look for include:

• the home becoming noticeably less clean or organised

• laundry, dishes or household maintenance building up

• relying increasingly on family for shopping, meals or transport

• eating less, losing weight or having little fresh food at home

• difficulty preparing meals or safely using the kitchen

• wearing the same clothes repeatedly or neglecting personal hygiene

• struggling with showering, dressing, grooming or using the toilet

• missing medications or becoming confused about when to take them

• difficulty walking, getting out of chairs or moving around the home

• falls, near falls, unexplained bruising or a growing fear of falling

• no longer driving safely or avoiding appointments because transport is difficult

• forgetting appointments, bills or familiar daily tasks

• withdrawing from friends, family or activities they previously enjoyed

• appearing unusually tired, anxious, low in mood or overwhelmed

• a family carer becoming exhausted or unable to provide the same level of help.

Changes in memory, judgement or problem-solving may also become apparent. Examples include leaving appliances on, becoming lost in familiar places, repeatedly missing medication or struggling with tasks such as eating, bathing and dressing. Memory changes are not always dementia and should be discussed with a doctor.

One isolated sign does not necessarily mean formal home care is required. Look for:

• a pattern of changes over time

• several difficulties occurring together

• increasing dependence on family or neighbours

• tasks being avoided because they have become difficult or unsafe

• a recent illness, hospital stay, fall or change in mobility.

A useful way to raise the subject is to focus on what would make life easier rather than telling the person they can no longer cope. For example:

“Would some help with cleaning or shopping make it easier for you to keep doing the things you enjoy?”

An aged care assessment can identify where help may be useful. Support might begin with only one or two services, such as domestic assistance, meal preparation, gardening, transport or help with showering. Asking for help does not mean giving up independence; early support can help preserve it.

Seek medical advice when changes involve memory, unexplained weight loss, repeated falls, medication mistakes, low mood or a noticeable decline in physical ability.

A sudden change in confusion, behaviour or physical condition is different from a gradual need for home support. Sudden confusion can be delirium and may be a medical emergency requiring urgent assessment.