If there has been no crisis but you are concerned that help may be needed then the following may help you assess the situation:-
- Take you time and don't panic. You'll end up spending more time and getting fewer results if you start your search for solutions without any sort of plan.
- If your relative lives alone then take a good look around their house. Are there unpaid bills piling up? Is their house less clean than it used to be? Is there enough food in the kitchen? Do you know if your relative has ever forgotten to turn off the cooker after use? Is there uneaten food in the kitchen? Do nay of the rooms smell of urine or faeces? These could be good indicators that all is not well and that some help is needed.
- Take a close look at your relative. Has he or she lost weight since you last saw them? Does he or she appear to need help with dressing and personal care?
- Think about making an appointment with their GP for a thorough check up. Sometimes there are medical conditions that might explain why more help is needed.
- If a disease or an illness is identified then ask their GP for information that can help you become more familiar with your relative's condition.
- Above all. Keep the communication lines open! Keep talking with your relative
