As part of my ongoing blog, I’m going to look at some common problems that we are told about when families feel that they need extra help with caring for their loved ones.

Frequent repetitive phone calls

My mother rings me several times during the day up to 11 at night and 7 in the morning – she asks the same question over and quickly forgets what I’ve told her

Suggestions

It seems as if your mother has some form of anxiety and memory loss – you need to start with a GP appointment – they will look at her physical condition – she may have an underlying infection or other illness that can be treated.

They may then refer to the memory clinic at your local hospital. There are many causes of memory loss and a medical opinion is always best as a way of knowing exactly how to support the person.

Your mother may also be suffering from some other form of mental health illness related to anxiety – this too needs a medical diagnosis and treatment.

As far as practical support is concerned, you need to look at what you can do to help your mother to stay on at home. Some options open to you are:

• A cleaner to call daily
• Various new care technologies which mean that you can keep an eye on the situation from afar
• A care to call in the morning and in the evening and afternoon
• 24 hour, live-in care