8 Signs You’re Overdue for In‑Home Aged Care Support

Sometimes it starts small — a missed appointment here, a forgotten lunch there.
Then one day you realise your loved one isn’t managing quite like they used to.

It’s one of the hardest things to notice — and even harder to talk about — but recognising the early signs that someone needs extra help and support at home can make all the difference.

At Right at Home, we believe support shouldn’t mean losing independence — it should mean living more comfortably and confidently every day.

Here are eight gentle signs that it might be time to reach out for a little extra support.

1. The Home Feels a Bit “Too Quiet”

When the dishes stay in the sink or the garden starts to overgrow, it’s often a clue that daily tasks are becoming exhausting. A few hours of help each week with cleaning, laundry, or cooking can lift the burden — and bring life back into the home.

2. Meals Are Skipped or Forgotten

Is your loved one losing weight or relying on toast for dinner? Changes in appetite, missed meals, or spoiled food in the fridge can signal it’s time for help with meal prep or grocery shopping. Healthy meals don’t just nourish the body — they lift the spirit.

3. The Medicine Pack Is Still Full

Missing medications or double-dosing is easy to do when routines slip. Carers can help by setting gentle reminders, assisting with medication packs, and ensuring prescriptions are up to date — so nothing important gets missed.

4. Little Accidents or Near Misses

Trips, bruises, or a nervous shuffle when walking are often brushed off, but they shouldn’t be ignored. A home safety check and regular visits from a carer can make a world of difference in preventing falls and keeping confidence high.

5. The Phone Doesn’t Ring as Often

Loneliness can creep in quietly. If your loved one has become withdrawn or seems low in mood, companionship care can help reconnect them to people and activities that matter — whether it’s a card game, a cup of tea, or a trip to the local club.

6. Personal Care Feels Overwhelming

When showering, dressing, or grooming become difficult, dignity can quickly fade. Compassionate personal care helps maintain hygiene, comfort, and self-confidence — delivered with the respect every person deserves.

7. Forgetfulness Is Becoming Familiar

Missed appointments, confusion about the time of day, or misplaced belongings might point to early memory changes. Regular visits and structured routines can create reassurance, safety, and calm for both clients and families.

8. You’re Feeling Tired, Too

If you’re the primary carer, exhaustion and guilt can build up fast. Respite care gives you time to rest and recharge while ensuring your loved one continues receiving the best possible care.

A Helping Hand, Right at Home

Needing support isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a sign of love.
Our friendly Care Managers can visit you or your loved one at home, listen to your concerns, and design a personalised care plan under the new Support at Home government funded system or we can provide private care while you wait or as a top up to your existing funding or care arrangements, or because you aren't eligible for government funding or because you need urgent care for immediate care situations.

Call 1300 363 802 or contact your local Right at Home office to book your free in-home consultation today.

Together, we can help your loved one keep living the life they love — safely, independently, and with dignity.

Right at Home Australia is a leading provider of quality in-home care. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve, ensuring the Right Care, Right at Home™.  We support people living with complex and post-operative care needs, dementia and cognitive decline, seniors, and adults living with a disability, including NDIS participants. Our tailored services help clients to remain safe and independent in their homes. We are an Approved Provider under the Aged Care Act, meaning we can provide quality support at home under a government-funded home care package. We also offer private pay arrangements for those who do not have government funding or who wish to pay privately for top-up care. Right at Home is all about you. We are available 24/7, so contact your local office today. You can also call our national number on 1300 363 802. 

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