Caring for someone you love is one of the most meaningful roles you will ever take on. It is also one of the hardest. Many families quietly carry the same question in their hearts:

“How do I know if Dad or Mum needs professional care, or if our family support is enough?”

It is a question filled with love, guilt, and worry. The truth is, there is no single, simple answer. Every family is different. But there are gentle signs that can guide you.

Why this question matters

When a parent begins to need support, most families naturally step in. Love, duty and routine carry you for a while. But sometimes those needs grow, and the weight of caring becomes more than one household can manage safely.

Professional home care is not about replacing family. It is about adding to the love that is already there, so that both the person being cared for and the family around them can thrive.

Holding hands

“Care is not about doing less for your dad. It is about making sure he has the safety, dignity and support he deserves.”

Signs it may be time to ask for extra support

Think about these areas and whether they are starting to slip:

Daily living needs

Are meals, bathing, dressing or medication being managed safely?

Safety at home

Has your parent fallen, forgotten the cooker, or struggled with mobility?

Emotional well-being

Is he becoming more withdrawn, lonely, or low in mood?

Physical health

Has there been weight loss, poor nutrition, or neglect of hygiene?

Family strain

Are you, or other family members, feeling exhausted or unwell yourself?

If you recognise more than one of these, family support alone may no longer be enough.

Thinking about care support? Start with a friendly, no-obligation enquiry using our quick online form.

Real life example

One family we support had been caring for their father at home for several years. At first, it was just a little help with shopping and cooking. Over time, his needs grew. His daughter found herself leaving work early, skipping meals, and waking at night to check he was safe. She wanted to do everything for him, but she was running on empty.

When they introduced just a few hours of Visiting Angels respite care each week, everything shifted. A professional carer helped with meals, medication and companionship. His daughter could finally rest and spend time simply enjoying her dad’s company again.

“I feel like I have my relationship with him back.”  C B – Daughter of client

What professional care brings

Bringing in professional support can feel like a big step, but it often brings relief to everyone.

Professional carers can offer:

  • Companionship and conversation

  • Practical help with meals, medication, and personal care

  • Specialist support for conditions such as dementia

  • Respite care for family members, giving you space to rest and recover

  • Peace of mind that someone trained is there when you cannot be

You do not have to decide everything at once. Many families begin with just a few hours of care each week, and find it makes a world of difference.

You don’t have to do it all alone

Care works best as a partnership. Family and professionals together, each bringing something different, but both focused on the wellbeing of your loved one.

If you are starting to notice these signs, you do not have to wait for a crisis. Exploring care options early gives you more choice and peace of mind.

At Visiting Angels, we often begin with a simple, friendly conversation. The easiest first step is to complete our quick online enquiry form. One of our team will get back to you promptly, and from there you can decide if you would like a call or a no-obligation home visit.

Asking for support does not mean doing less for your mum or dad. It means making sure he has the safety, dignity, and care he deserves, while you hold on to what matters most, being his son or daughter.