How do I know if my elderly parent needs home care?

Look for gradual changes in how your parent manages day-to-day life. Warning signs include less interest in cooking, weight loss, expired food in the fridge, poor hygiene, wearing the same clothes repeatedly, more frequent falls or near-misses, or difficulty keeping on top of bills and appointments. Emotional changes like withdrawal, low mood or increased anxiety also matter. If you’re finding you need to pop in more often, or you’re worrying when you’re not there, it may be time to discuss home care. Starting with a small amount of support early can feel less overwhelming and helps maintain independence for longer.