What to Do if an Elderly Person in Your Community is Struggling

As a caring member of the Southport community, you might notice if one of your elderly neighbours or another senior in your area is struggling. To ensure that they are able to get out of the rut they are in, and to ensure that there is light at the end of the tunnel, here are some of the steps you can take,

Offer Help

The first course of action you can take is to offer help from yourself. This might include offering to do their grocery shopping for them, clean their home or cook for them. You might offer transport to medical appointments, or simply a coffee and a chat a couple of times a week. You could also give them your number so that there is always someone that they can call in an emergency. However, many older people may not want to accept help or might be worried about burdening you. If that is the case, it might be better to offer help from outside sources.

Try to Contact Their Family

Many people’s families live far away from them. Not only this, but an older person might not want to contact their family about their difficulties. If that is the case, you could try to contact their family on their behalf, especially if they are local to the area. You might be able to find their contact details in an address book. However, you should be wary of this if the older person has fallen out with their family, as you do not want to go behind their back or break their trust.

Look at Care Homes

If the older adult you are concerned about seems to struggle to live independently, and if their personal hygiene and health have declined, it might be time to discuss care options with them. Care homes can allow the senior in question to lead a full life while having all their needs met. As well as keeping them safe, this care home can stave off loneliness and isolation as they will be surrounded by other people of their age group. You might give them leaflets about various care homes or offer to visit these with them. For instance, Langford Park care home in Exeter could be a great option if you are looking further afield for a home that can provide them with specialist residential care. It is an even better option if you believe that the older adult in question is showing signs of dementia.

Call the Council

If you are extremely worried about an older person who is unwilling to accept help from you or anyone else, you should consider contacting Southport council, especially if they have no family nearby. This will allow them to be checked up on and make certain their needs are met. However, if they have fallen or at risk to themselves or others, it is important that you contact the emergency services immediately as they are properly trained and will be able to put the correct measures in place.