Family and friends visiting older relatives over Christmas can look for signs that they may be having some difficulty in staying safe at home. Ed Murphy of Home Instead Senior Care suggests 5 signs to look out for: 

• Check the fridge, freezer and cupboards – has food spoiled?  Is this because Mum or Dad can’t get to the shops?  Or is there a difficulty in accessing any of these areas to clean them out?
• Look at the groceries list – is declining health prompting the older person to buy more convenience and junk food and now their nutrition is not adequate?  Are they losing weight?
• Examine the tops of furniture and counter tops for dust and dirt – household task such as cleaning may be becoming  too much for them?
• How are the ceilings?  Dust and dirt in high places can suggest difficulty in lifting arms and in agility/mobility – however, elderly people should be cautioned not to climb;
• Chat with their neighbours to see if their  daily routine has changed – is he/she staying in more, watching more television and avoiding stimulating conversation and companionship?

For information on the services offered by Home Instead Senior Care, phone 1890 930013