5 Simple Signs Your Parent Needs Home Care for the Elderly and How to Help
As our parents get older, we all hope they can stay independent and happy in their own homes for as long as possible. However, the transition from “managing fine” to “needing a little help” isn’t always obvious. It doesn’t usually happen overnight, but rather through small, “quiet” indicators that can be very easy to overlook and this is often the stage when home care for the elderly support can make a meaningful difference.
At RSM Care Links, we’ve helped hundreds of families across Manchester navigate this journey. If you’ve been feeling a “gut instinct” that something has changed, you aren’t alone. Here are five simple signs that it might be time to consider home care for elderly to keep your loved one safe and independent.
The 5 “Quiet” Signs to Watch For
1. Changes in Eating Habits “Kitchen Check”
Next time you visit, take a quick look in the fridge. Do you see expired milk, empty shelves, or multiple packs of the same item?
- The Sign: Noticeable weight loss or a kitchen that feels “neglected” often means your parents are finding it physically difficult to shop for groceries or safely stand at the stove to cook.
- How Home Care Helps: A care companion can assist with weekly shopping trips and prepare fresh, nutritious meals that your parents actually enjoy.
2. A Change in “House Pride”
Was your mum or dad always house-proud, but now you notice dust piling up or unopened mail on the side?
- The Sign: When a home becomes untidy, it’s rarely about “laziness.” It is often because daily chores have become physically exhausting or confusing to manage.
- How Home Care Helps: Domiciliary care services includes light housekeeping, allowing your parents to relax in a clean, safe environment without the stress of chores.
3. Subtle Shifts in Personal Hygiene
It’s a sensitive topic, but notice if your parents are wearing the same clothes for several days or if their grooming habits have slipped.
- The Sign: A decline in hygiene often stems from a fear of falling in the shower. In the UK, 1 in 3 adults over 65 fall each year, and the bathroom is the highest-risk area.
- How Home Care Helps: Professional carers provide discreet, respectful assistance with bathing and dressing, ensuring safety while maintaining your loved one’s dignity.
4. Social Withdrawal and Loneliness
Is your parent calling less often? Have they stopped attending their local Manchester social clubs or church groups?
- The Sign: Loneliness is more than an emotional issue; it has a direct impact on physical health. If they find it hard to drive or navigate public transport, they may simply stop going out.
- How Home Care Helps: Companionship care is about the “Human” side of aging. Whether it’s a walk in a local park or a chat over a cup of tea, we provide the social connection that keeps the mind sharp.
5. Unexplained Bruising or “Furniture Walking”
Keep an eye out for “furniture walking” when your parent holds onto walls or chairs to get across the room.
- The Sign: Unexplained bruises often mean a small fall has occurred that they were too embarrassed to mention. This is a major red flag for their safety.
- How Home Care Helps: We provide mobility assistance and home safety checks to remove trip hazards, giving you peace of mind.
Authority and Regulation Matter
When looking for home care services for senior relatives, you will notice that there is a combination of private introductory agencies and regulated care providers. Selecting a CQC-approved care agency such as RSM Care Links provides a critical safety net, accountability, and professional expertise that cannot be guaranteed by private care providers.
Regulated Safety Standards
As a Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered provider, we are inspected against strict national standards for safety, effectiveness, responsiveness, and quality of care. This ensures every client receives structured, compliant, and professionally delivered live-in support.
Vetted and Trained Professionals
All of our carers undergo enhanced DBS checks, structured training programmes, and ongoing professional development. This guarantees that your loved one is supported by qualified individuals who understand safeguarding, medication management, and elderly care best practices.
Professional Management & 24/7 Oversight
Unlike private arrangements, our regulated care agency provides full management support. Our highly experienced management team supervises care delivery, performs quality checks, and is always accessible to address any concerns or emergencies.
Selecting a regulated care provider is more than just selecting a care provider, it is about security, accountability, and peace of mind for your family.
The “Preventative” Approach Reduces Hospital Stays
It is common for many families to think about home care for their elderly loved ones only after they have experienced a fall or been hospitalized. However, preventative home care can help prevent these situations from occurring in the first place.
Having a regular visit from a professional care companion can help in recognizing early warning signs of dehydration, urinary tract infections, missed doses of medication, or loss of mobility. These are some of the most common reasons for emergency hospitalizations among older people in Manchester.
Preventative home care is more than just providing support; it is also a means of ensuring good health care support and stability.
Understanding the Cost of Care in 2026
One of the most common myths about home care for seniors is that it is not affordable. As of 2026, the cost of home care in the UK can be anywhere between £26 and £35 per hour, depending on the level of care needed, including specialist night care services for those who require overnight support and supervision.
Many families in Manchester are eligible for financial assistance. If the savings are below £23,250, the council can pay towards the cost of care. There may also be other benefits such as Direct Payments or Attendance Allowance, which is currently up to £108.55 per week, to help make ends meet.
Knowing the options available from the start makes it much less stressful to plan.
How to Start the Conversation About Care
Care is a tricky thing to talk about. Many parents feel awkward about the subject. They worry that if they accept care, they will lose their independence. The trick is to think about support, not control.
The best way to approach this is to be subtle. For instance:
“I’ve noticed that shopping has been a bit of a burden lately. What if we had someone come in and visit us twice a week to help out with some errands and a bit of tidying up? It would really help me out.”
Often, the trick is to think about staying independent, not losing it. This can shift the whole dynamic of the conversation.
How We Support Your Family
At RSM Care Links, we make the process easy and comforting.
Free Home Assessment
We organize a free home visit in Manchester to learn about your loved one’s daily routine, likes, and care requirements.
Carefully Matched Carers
We carefully match our clients with carers who have similar interests and personalities to help them develop a strong, trusting bond.
Flexible, Ongoing Support
Whether your family requires a few hours of care a week or 24/7 live-in care, we modify the care plan according to your changing needs.
Book RSM Care Links services today to arrange your free consultation and secure trusted home care support in Manchester UK.