It can be difficult to watch someone you care about begin to struggle as they grow older. You might notice small changes – missed appointments, a home that’s not as tidy as it once was, or signs of confusion or forgetfulness. These shifts can raise important questions: Are they coping on their own? Do they need more help than they’re letting on? And how can you gently open up a conversation without causing distress or offence?
At Prestige Nursing & Care, we understand how emotional and uncertain this time can be. Concern for a parent, relative or friend often comes with a mix of worry, responsibility, and love. Starting a conversation about care is never easy, but it can be the first step in making sure someone you care about gets the support they need to live safely and with dignity.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do if you’re concerned about an elderly person and how to approach the conversation with compassion.
Common concerns when caring for an elderly person
Caring for an ageing loved one often brings up a wide range of emotional, physical, and practical challenges. Recognising these concerns early can help families plan the right support and prevent unnecessary stress or burnout.
Declining mobility and falls risk
Many older adults experience reduced mobility, making everyday tasks more difficult. Whether due to arthritis, muscle weakness, or neurological conditions, limited movement increases the risk of falls, which can lead to serious injuries and hospitalisation. Ensuring the home is safe, clutter-free, and adapted where necessary is crucial for injury prevention.
Forgetfulness or memory loss
Mild forgetfulness may be a normal part of ageing, but frequent memory lapses can be a sign of cognitive decline or early-stage dementia. Missed appointments, repeated questions, or confusion with daily routines may indicate the need for further assessment and support.
Managing medications correctly
Keeping track of multiple medications, dosages, and timings can become challenging for elderly individuals, especially those living alone. Missed doses or accidental double-dosing can have serious health consequences. Medication management support is often a vital part of a home care plan.
Emotional well-being and isolation
Social isolation is a major concern among older adults, particularly after the loss of a partner or when mobility limits community involvement. Loneliness can contribute to depression, anxiety, and a decline in both mental and physical health. Regular companionship and emotional support are essential to maintaining well-being.
Nutrition and hydration
Preparing healthy meals may become difficult due to reduced strength, memory issues, or lack of interest in food. Malnutrition and dehydration can lead to increased frailty, confusion, and hospital admissions. Carers often help with shopping, meal prep, and encouraging regular eating and drinking.
Personal care and dignity
As personal hygiene routines become harder to maintain, many older adults may struggle with bathing, dressing, or using the toilet. This can be a sensitive topic, often met with embarrassment or resistance. Compassionate support from a trained carer helps maintain hygiene and dignity.
Family strain and caregiver burnout
Balancing full-time care responsibilities with work, children, and personal needs can be overwhelming. Without proper support, family caregivers may experience exhaustion, emotional strain, and burnout. Recognising these signs early and seeking professional help can prevent long-term impact on the carer’s health.
The financial implications of caring for an elderly parent
Caring for an elderly loved one can bring profound emotional rewards, but it often comes with significant financial pressure as well. Many families find themselves making difficult adjustments, especially when one carer must reduce working hours or leave employment entirely to provide complex care.
According to the Office for National Statistics, approximately one in five UK adults provided unpaid care in 2022, highlighting the sheer scale of family-based care in our communities.
The value of this support to public services is vast: families who care for their loved ones at home contribute billions of pounds in NHS savings every year. Yet with ongoing reductions in public funding for social care, the burden on carers continues to grow, both emotionally and financially.
Key financial considerations for family carers
- Lost wages and career progression – Carers may need to cut back on paid work or miss out on promotions and pension contributions, affecting long-term financial well-being.
- Increased day-to-day costs – Caring often brings added expenses, such as transportation, home adaptations, specialist equipment, or higher utility bills.
- Impact on mental and physical health – The strain of juggling work and care can lead to stress-related health problems, increasing the risk of carer fatigue.
Benefits and financial support for family carers
Depending on your personal circumstances, you may be entitled to financial support. Options include:
- Carer’s Allowance – If you provide care for at least 35 hours per week, you may be eligible for this weekly benefit.
- Attendance Allowance – Your parent may qualify for this non-means-tested benefit if they need help with personal care due to illness or disability.
- Council tax reductions or exemptions – Some local authorities offer council tax relief for full-time carers or households with a severely mentally impaired person.
- Direct payments and personal budgets – These allow your parent (or you, if acting on their behalf) to manage care funding directly and choose services that best meet their needs.
Learn more about the social funding available for care.
Why does a care needs assessment matter?
To access local authority support, both you and your elderly relative must undergo a care needs assessment. This is carried out by social services and evaluates:
- The level of support your parent requires with daily living
- Your ability to provide ongoing care without affecting your own well-being
- Suitable adaptations, equipment, or professional care services that may help
Requesting an assessment is free, and it can be a key first step in accessing in-home help, respite services, or financial support for elderly care.
Who to contact when worried about an elderly person
If you’re concerned about the safety or well-being of an older person, it’s important to know where to turn for help. Support is available, and taking action can make a vital difference.
- In an emergency – If you believe someone is at immediate risk of harm or danger, call 999 straight away.
- For urgent health concerns – If the situation is worrying but not life-threatening, call NHS 111 for advice. This service is available 24 hours a day and can help you decide what to do next.
- Raising a safeguarding concern – If you’re concerned about someone’s welfare due to neglect, abuse, or an inability to cope, you can contact the local council’s adult safeguarding team. This is usually the adult social care department in the area where the person lives.
- It is best to raise a concern with the person’s consent, where possible.
- If seeking consent might put the person at greater risk, or they are unable to give consent, you can still report your concerns.
You can find the correct contact details for your local council by visiting GOV.UK – Find your local authority.
Reaching out can feel like a big step, but doing so helps to ensure an older person receives the protection, care and dignity they deserve.
How prestige nursing & care can help
Every family situation is different. You may need occasional respite care, hourly care visits, or round-the-clock nurse-led support. Whatever your concerns, we’ll help you find the right path.
Our experienced team can:
- Carry out a no-obligation home care assessment
- Help arrange a local authority care needs assessment
- Provide flexible home care tailored to your loved one’s needs
- Offer practical support to reduce strain on family carers
- Be a listening ear during emotionally challenging times
Don’t wait for a crisis. If you’re concerned about an elderly person, we’re here to guide you, with empathy, respect and the expertise you can trust.
A helping hand at home
For 80 years, Prestige Nursing & Care has been trusted by our clients and their families to provide competent and compassionate home care. Our care is focused on improving health and overall well-being, and all in the place people love most – their own homes.
Call us on 0808 239 1525 and our friendly care experts will discuss your care and support needs. You can also fill out our online enquiry form or email info@prestige-nursing.co.uk. We provide impartial guidance and advice so you can make the right choice for you and your family.
