When Your Loved One Needs More Support
As our loved ones age, it can be challenging to determine when they need additional support. Often, people wait until a crisis occurs before seeking help, but early recognition of subtle changes can make a significant difference in maintaining their quality of life and wellbeing.
Here are some signs to look for:
Physical Changes
- Difficulty moving around the home, such as leaning on furniture or walls, moving noticeably slower, or having a cut or bruise from a fall.
- Unsteadiness on their feet or having had a fall.
- Straining to sit in a chair or get out of bed.
- Complaints about the difficulty of simple tasks, like walking upstairs, using a can opener, or carrying something from a shelf.
- Unintentional weight loss.
Personality Changes
- Providing increasing reasons or excuses for not doing something.
- Changes in habits or routines, such as being more housebound or less sociable.
- Showing less interest in activities that were once a passion, like cooking or gardening.
- Excessive forgetfulness, such as forgetting appointments or bills.
- Becoming short-tempered, withdrawn, or expressing a desire to die.
Home Hygiene and Grooming Changes
- Appearing less groomed than normal, with dirty hair, untrimmed nails, dirty clothes, or noticeable body odour.
- The home appearing dirtier or messier than usual.
- The fridge or cupboards having an excess of spoiled food or a lack of fresh food compared to normal.
Health Changes
- Recent hospital treatment or frequent calls to ambulance or medi-call systems for help.
- Recent health incidents, like a broken bone from a fall or surgery.
- A diagnosis that requires ongoing or increasing levels of support.
- Signs of carer stress in loved ones providing care, such as feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or resentful.
Helpful Guides for Your Aged Care Journey
Navigating aged care decisions can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. Download our free resources to help you recognise the early signs, start important conversations, and choose the right care provider:
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Signs to Look For – Spot the changes that may signal your loved one needs more support.
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Tips for Choosing a Provider – Key questions to ask and what to consider when exploring aged care options.
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How to Have the Conversation – Advice to approach this sensitive topic with empathy and confidence.
Simply fill out the short form to access your free downloads.
Early intervention matters
It's not always obvious when your loved one needs more support, but early intervention is critical in helping reduce preventable health issues. By recognizing these signs early, you can help maintain your loved one's quality of life and wellbeing for longer.
If you have noticed any of the above signs, our skilled care professionals can help. Call us today on 1800 225 474 or complete our form and a team member will call you back.
Why choose Catholic Healthcare
A trusted not-for-profit provider of aged care for all.
As one of the most recommended service providers within the industry with highly satisfied clients and residents, we’ve got your needs covered. Catholic Healthcare guarantees the best in holistic aged care that focuses on health and wellbeing for the body, mind and spirit.
You can count on us because:
30+ years of aged care expertise, built on a 150-year legacy of mission and service
Supporting 13,000+ clients across NSW and QLD with trusted, community-based care.
Our Inspirit Model of Care ensures you feel seen, heard, and known—with all your aged care needs covered.
Acknowledgement of Country
Catholic Healthcare acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, work, and care. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and honour the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country.
When Your Loved One Needs More Support
As our loved ones age, it can be challenging to determine when they need additional support. Often, people wait until a crisis occurs before seeking help, but early recognition of subtle changes can make a significant difference in maintaining their quality of life and wellbeing.
Here are some signs to look for:
Physical Changes
- Difficulty moving around the home, such as leaning on furniture or walls, moving noticeably slower, or having a cut or bruise from a fall.
- Unsteadiness on their feet or having had a fall.
- Straining to sit in a chair or get out of bed.
- Complaints about the difficulty of simple tasks, like walking upstairs, using a can opener, or carrying something from a shelf.
- Unintentional weight loss.
Personality Changes
- Providing increasing reasons or excuses for not doing something that would normally be typical for them.
- Changes in habits or routines, such as being more housebound or less sociable.
- Showing less interest in activities that were once a passion, like cooking, gardening, or meeting friends.
- Excessive forgetfulness, such as forgetting appointments, medication, bills, or the location of keys.
- Becoming short-tempered, withdrawn, or expressing a desire to die.
Home Hygiene and Grooming Changes
- Appearing less groomed than normal, with dirty hair, untrimmed nails, dirty clothes, or noticeable body odour.
- The home appearing dirtier or messier than usual.
- The fridge or cupboards having an excess of spoiled food or a lack of fresh food compared to normal.
Health Changes
- Recent hospital treatment or frequent calls to ambulance or medi-call systems for help.
- Recent health incidents, like a broken bone from a fall or surgery.
- A diagnosis that requires ongoing or increasing levels of support.
- Signs of carer stress in loved ones providing care, such as feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or resentful.