The Christmas holidays give us the opportunity to spend more time with our family and friends. Home Instead Waterford is advising us over the holiday season to keep an eye out for tell tale signs that our older loved ones or neighbours may need more help.
Steven Tubbritt, General Manager at Home Instead Waterford explained, “Over the holiday season we tend to see our parents or grandparents more often, so it is a good opportunity to make sure that they are looking after themselves properly, have sufficient food and heat and are safe in their homes.”
The warning signs that indicate an older parent, neighbour or relative may need more help at home include:
- Do they seem to be eating well or is food spoiling in the fridge?
- Have they stopped doing daily grooming rituals like taking a shower or fixing their hair?
- Are they taking the right medications in the right doses at the right times?
- Does their car have new scratches or dents?
- Is mail or newspapers piling up without being read?
- Are they using furniture, towel bars or shower curtains to pull themselves up to stand?
When you’re home over the holiday period and visiting your older neighbours and relatives, be aware of the things that may be changing for them. Be ready to spot the signs, have those tough conversations and help them get the support they need to remain happy and safe in their own home as long as possible.
Home Instead Waterford provides services to older loved ones in their own homes and is approved by the HSE. Its CAREgivers help clients maintain their independence by assisting them with activities of daily living such as personal care, meal preparation, laundry, shopping, and light housekeeping.
To find out more about Home Instead Waterford call 051 333966 or visit www.homeinstead.ie
