Autonomy and independence are important values for many people, and this usually doesn’t change as we get older. Very often, in fact, seniors want to hold onto their independence - even if they’re struggling. While this is understandable, it can also be frustrating for loved ones and caregivers who want to help but can’t, or don’t realize that help is needed.

In this blog, we look at some of the signs a loved one may need a little extra support, as well as some tips to help them as effectively as possible.

Common signs that loved ones may need support

So what are some of the most common signs to look for that may show a loved one needs a little extra support?

An unclean or cluttered home
If you notice that a loved one’s home is regularly dirtier or messier than usual, it can be a sign that they are struggling to keep on top of cleaning.

Confusion and forgetfulness
A little forgetfulness is absolutely normal as people age, and nobody is going to be quite as sharp at 90 as they were at 25. However, if a loved one is forgetting a lot and getting confused by day-to-day life, they may need some outside help.

Low mood and lack of energy
If your loved one seems down or depressed, or has an overall lack of motivation and energy, they may be suffering from mental health issues and could probably benefit from support.

Financial difficulties
Many people find it difficult to manage financial matters as they age. If you notice that a loved one is having problems keeping up with bills or is worried about money, they could be in need of some help.

Mobility issues
Physical decline is another inevitable part of aging. However, if a loved one is having problems moving around and doing basic day-to-day tasks then they probably need some support.

Missing appointments
Seniors often have a lot of appointments, such as checkups with a doctor or a visit to the dentist. If your loved ones are having trouble remembering all their appointments and even missing them, they may benefit from assistance.

Personal hygiene problems
Poor personal hygiene can be a symptom of other issues associated with aging. For example, if someone is forgetful or having mobility problems, they may not bathe or change their clothes as often as they should. Look out for this as a sign that a loved one may be struggling.

Significant weight change
Low weight can reflect general poor health, forgetting to eat, not being able to afford food, or struggling to cook. Gaining weight can also be a cause for concern, as it may reflect mobility problems, a lack of physical activity, depression, and more.

Injuries
Regular injuries such as cuts, sprains, and bruises are a big sign that somebody cannot live completely independently anymore.

Ways to offer support to aging loved ones

Take care of finances
One of the biggest ways you can support a loved one is by assisting with their finances. Obviously, this can be a sensitive topic, so you’ll need to discuss things thoughtfully, but even something as simple as reminding them every month to pay their bills and helping them with budgeting can have a huge impact. Helping them shop around for deals and change providers, if necessary, can also alleviate financial pressure.

Help with cleaning and maintenance
Another impactful way to support loved ones is to offer help with cleaning and maintenance around the home. General upkeep, gardening, and DIY projects can be quite demanding. To help, you can inquire about and assist with things like car maintenance, cleaning, DIY, gardening, and so on.

Fitness and mobility support
Every senior has a different level of fitness and mobility, so the amount of support you can realistically offer will depend on their individual needs. If, for example, a loved one has severe mobility problems, then you may need to hire a live-in support worker or organize a move to a residential home. For less extreme mobility challenges and as a preventative measure, helping a loved one remain physically active can have a big positive impact. Encouraging seniors to play sports and/or practice flexibility work like yoga can be hugely beneficial.

Social contact
Social engagement can have an enormous impact on mental wellbeing and mood. Checking in with loved ones regularly, spending time with them, and encouraging them to remain social can all have a big positive impact. Even if you’re not able to spend a lot of time with them in person, using video calls or helping them connect socially online can be just as effective.

Mental stimulation
A lack of mental stimulation is often linked with cognitive decline. However, it’s often not easy in practice to stay mentally active, especially after people retire and find themselves with far less to do with their time. Try to encourage your loved ones to stay mentally active by doing puzzles, playing brain games, and reading or listening to books.

Cooking, grocery shopping, and meal planning
Nutrition is so important to general health, but it’s also time-consuming and hard to stay on top of every day as people get older, less mobile, and more forgetful. Simple things like getting groceries in time and planning meals in advance can become a challenge. 

Helping a loved one plan their meals, going grocery shopping for them, writing a shopping list, or cooking for them can have a huge impact on their quality of life. 

Alternatively, arranging a meal kit or pre-made meal delivery service can also make life simpler for loved ones.

ElliQ - A supportive companion for aging in place

ElliQ offers personalized support to help seniors age in place. Every ElliQ companion offers a range of innovative features designed to provide support for seniors in various aspects of their day-to-day lives, including:

Social connectivity
Video and voice calls help seniors stay connected, even when living independently. Users can even engage directly with ElliQ in small talk, and ask trivia and important life questions, all while building a relationship with ElliQ.

Reminders
Personalized reminders about anything from grocery shopping to cleaning, taking medication, appointments, paying bills, and much more.

Mental stimulation
A wide range of mentally stimulating activities, including brain games, trivia, and more.

Daily check-ins
ElliQ proactively checks in to ask about mood, sleep, and overall health on a consistent basis

Intuitive controls
ElliQ is built with ease-of-use. Voice control and large, simplified touch controls mean that anyone can use the device, even if they’re completely new to technology and smart devices.