It’s important to recognise the signs when an older person needs more support. Whether it’s facilitating help at home, organising respite care or choosing a residential aged care for a loved one to move into, family and friends need to be alert to the signs of distress. Below are a few of the signs that an older senior may need help and require professional support: Tea and biscuits When there’s little else in the pantry but biscuits, this can be a sign that a person is forgetting meals, not coping with shopping, or can no longer function in the kitchen. Check the cleanliness of crockery and cutlery, and look for signs of burnt saucepans.