With busy schedules, work commitments and families often living further apart, it can be difficult to stay closely connected with the people we care about.
When we finally come together for a family gathering, Christmas celebration or special occasion, we sometimes notice that an older parent, relative or loved one has changed more than we realised.
Perhaps the house isn’t as tidy as it used to be, appointments have been missed or everyday tasks seem to be becoming more difficult.
These changes can be easy to overlook when we see someone regularly, but spending time together after a period apart can sometimes highlight that they may need a little extra support.
Your next family gathering could be an opportunity to notice the signs and start an important conversation.
What should you be looking out for?
The signs that someone may be struggling to manage independently are not always obvious. Some changes happen gradually, while others may become noticeable over a relatively short period.
During your next visit, take a moment to observe how your loved one is managing their everyday activities.
Here are some common signs worth paying attention to.
Changes around the home
The condition of someone’s home can sometimes provide an indication of how they are managing day to day.
Look out for:
- An increasingly untidy or unclean house.
- Appliances or household equipment being left switched on.
- An empty fridge or signs that regular meals are being missed.
- An overgrown garden or neglected outdoor areas.
- Household repairs or maintenance that are no longer being attended to.
These changes may suggest that everyday household responsibilities are becoming more difficult to manage.
Changes in personal care and daily routines
You may also notice changes in someone’s usual routines or personal presentation.
For example:
- Changes in personal hygiene or appearance.
- Forgetting to take prescribed medications.
- Missing appointments or important commitments.
- Difficulty preparing meals or completing everyday tasks.
- Relying more heavily on family members for assistance.
These changes may indicate that additional support could help your loved one maintain their independence and wellbeing.
Changes in memory and behaviour
Changes in memory, mood or behaviour can sometimes be more difficult to recognise, particularly when they develop gradually.
Some things to look out for include:
- Forgetting familiar information or repeating questions.
- Becoming confused about appointments or daily routines.
- Losing interest in hobbies and activities they previously enjoyed.
- Withdrawing from friends, family or social situations.
- Unusual changes in mood, personality or behaviour.
- Difficulty completing tasks that were previously familiar.
It is important to remember that these changes do not automatically indicate dementia or another medical condition. However, if you notice ongoing changes, it may be worth encouraging your loved one to speak with their GP.
Changes in driving and personal safety
Driving is another area worth paying attention to, particularly if your loved one is becoming less confident or having difficulty navigating familiar routes.
Unexplained dents or scratches on their vehicle, getting lost on familiar journeys or noticing difficulties judging distances may be signs that their driving confidence or abilities have changed.
It is worth approaching these observations sensitively, as driving can be closely connected to a person’s independence and sense of freedom.
What should you do if you notice these changes?
Noticing that someone you care about may be struggling can be difficult, particularly if they have always been independent and are reluctant to accept help.
It can be tempting to avoid the conversation because you don’t want to upset them or make them feel as though they are losing control.
However, ignoring the signs may mean that important decisions are left until something more serious happens.
Rather than making immediate decisions on their behalf, start by bringing the family together and having an open, supportive conversation.
Consider discussing:
- What changes family members have noticed.
- Whether everyday tasks are becoming more difficult.
- What support would make life easier.
- Whether a medical check-up or aged care assessment would be helpful.
- What your loved one would like their future care arrangements to look like.
Most importantly, involve your loved one in the discussion. Their preferences, concerns and wishes should remain central to any decisions being made.
What support is available?
The good news is that needing some extra help does not necessarily mean someone needs to move into residential aged care.
There are a range of services available to help older Australians remain living independently in their own homes.
Depending on their circumstances and assessed needs, support may include:
- Help with cleaning and household tasks.
- Assistance with shopping and meal preparation.
- Transport to appointments and social activities.
- Personal care and nursing services.
- Home modifications and mobility equipment.
- Respite support for family carers.
The Australian Government’s Support at Home program provides access to services designed to help older Australians maintain their independence and continue living at home for longer.
An aged care assessment can help determine what support someone may be eligible to receive. You can find out more about how to arrange an assessment through My Aged Care.
Starting the process early can give families more time to understand their options and make decisions without unnecessary pressure.
Why planning ahead matters
When a loved one begins to need additional support, it can be tempting to wait until there is an immediate reason to make changes.
However, planning ahead can make a significant difference.
Having conversations early allows families to explore available services, consider financial arrangements and understand what their loved one wants for the future.
It can also help avoid rushed, crisis-driven decisions following an unexpected fall, hospital admission or sudden change in circumstances.
Most importantly, early planning helps preserve a person’s sense of independence, dignity and control over their own decisions.
If your loved one’s needs have changed, My Aged Care explains when to request a review or reassessment of existing support.
We're here to help
Recognising that a loved one may need additional support is not always easy. It can be an emotional time for everyone involved, and family members may have different opinions about what should happen next.
Having an independent and experienced professional involved can help make these conversations easier.
At Holzworth Partners, we help individuals and families navigate the financial considerations associated with ageing and aged care.
We can help you understand the available options, explore different financial scenarios and consider strategies that support your loved one’s needs, preferences and long-term financial position.
If you’ve noticed changes in someone you care about, it may be time to start the conversation.
Contact Holzworth Partners to discuss your family’s circumstances and arrange an appointment for personalised aged care financial advice.
The information provided in this article is intended for general information and educational purposes only. It does not constitute personal financial, taxation, accounting, legal or medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice.
The information has been prepared based on our understanding of the relevant information at the time of publication. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the information.
This information does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Readers should seek appropriate professional advice before making financial or aged care decisions. Any concerns about changes in a person’s health, memory or behaviour should be discussed with a qualified health professional.
Holzworth Partners accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this information without obtaining appropriate professional advice.
