When a family Christmas leaves you worried about an older relative

For those who live some distance from older relatives, the annual Christmas get-together can sometimes be the first time that you notice changes in a loved one’s demeanour, lifestyle or appearance that give cause for concern.

Regular phone calls, text messages and emails don’t always reveal what’s really going on, and in some cases older people don’t want to bother their family and choose not to share any challenges or difficulties they might be facing.

But the signs that everything isn’t quite right are more obvious in person. It might be that an older relative needs more support around the house, someone to carry out tasks and odd jobs or help with cleaning. You might notice that your family member has lost weight or perhaps a relative who always dressed very smartly has stopped taking care of their appearance. A previously well-tended garden looks overgrown or a well-stocked store cupboard is suddenly empty.

In many cases, it can be an easy fix. With support from family and friends, an older person who is finding it harder to keep on top of daily tasks can get the help they need to allow them to live comfortably in their own home.

For many other concerns, a call to the Age Scotland helpline – 0800 12 44 222 – can help. If an older person appears to be having financial difficulties, for example, helpline advisors will carry out a full benefits check to ensure that the older person is receiving all the financial support they are entitled to. Our By Your Side service also provides help to complete the sometimes lengthy and complicated forms in order to claim money.

Besides money matters, skilled helpline advisors can provide information and advice on a range of topics, including social care, housing, energy and legal issues, such as Power of Attorney. As well as older people themselves, family members and carers can call the helpline for advice and support.

The helpline can also signpost relatives who are concerned that an older person is showing signs of cognitive impairment to resources for people living with dementia and their carers.

And if you sense that an older relative is experiencing social isolation and loneliness, the Age Scotland Friendship line is available, offering weekly calls to those who need them. Some of the older people who receive friendship calls describe them as the highlight of their week and talk about how much the calls mean to them.

Most importantly, if you do have concerns about an older family member don’t hesitate to contact the helpline. Support and greater peace of mind could be just a phone call away.