Is it Time for Senior Living?
As a parent or grandparent ages, many of us typically try taking care of them on our own for as long as possible. It becomes difficult after a time, however, and sometimes it becomes more than we are equipped to handle. When assessing whether or not you and your loved one should consider placement in an assisted living facility, there are a few signs that could indicate this would be the right move for you.
Care is Becoming Untenable
One sign that you should consider assisted living is if you, or the caregiver for your loved one, is becoming increasingly tired and/or frustrated with the amount of care required by your aging loved one. Perhaps your loved one is becoming needier or less capable of performing things on their own and this is wearing the one providing care down. This is a sign that an assisted living facility would be a possible step forward.
Accidents Happening with Frequency
More frequent accidents or close calls with accidents happen more often as someone ages. Falls are the most common form of accidents and often go undetected for long periods of time. With staff always around, an assisted living facility might be the right choice to consider.
Medical Care is Needed with More Frequency
Whether it be a chronic condition that is worsening or slow recovery from an injury, the need for frequent medical monitoring is a big sign that it may be time to consider an assisted living facility.
Fundamental Personal Care Tasks Become More Difficult
Personal care can become difficult as a loved one age. If your loved one claims to be performing daily bathing and dressing on themselves, but you notice a faint odor or clothes they have worn for several days in a row, you may want to consider assisted living.
Diet Suffers
If you are consistently seeing food go bad in your loved one’s refrigerator or see that they are losing weight, they may not be eating what is necessary to remain healthy. This could lead to many complications and an assisted living facility may be the answer.
House Up-keep is Neglected
Attending to the house and keeping it clean and clutter free is important to the health of an individual. This is a task that many find more difficult as they age and being unable to keep up is a sign that assisted living should be considered.
Lack of Companionship
As a person ages, companionship continues to be important to their emotional health. If many friends have already passed on or your loved one’s social activities have decreased, an assisted living facility could renew their social interaction and happiness.
Home Becomes Dangerous
Considering the safety of your loved ones present living situation could be a factor in whether or not you should consider assisted living. As they age, many people find stairs difficult to manage, which may lead to falls or daily chores going left undone. Also, the location of your loved ones home, such as a busy street in town, could be dangerous if they tend to wander.
Memory Loss
Sometimes our elderly loved ones start to be forgetful and their minds are no longer what they once were. As signs of certain cognitive impairments related to age manifest, considering assisted living becomes important.
Neglect of Bills and Financial Obligations
This is usually an extension of memory loss. If your aging loved one’s financial situation is not as it should be, it is a sign that they may need some assistance in this department. Some of these signs include paying bills twice, receiving final notices from creditors, or investment in scams.
Angry/Aggressive Moods
As someone progressively loses much of their memory or exhibits cognitive impairment due to age, they may become combative. Aggression could be dangerous for the caregiver as well as the aging loved one and staff at an assisted living facility are trained to handle aggressive situations and keep patients safe.
Risky Driving Behaviors
This is dangerous to your aging loved one’s health. If they are becoming a worse driver or are doing things they normally would not, this could be a sign to consider an assisted living home. Assisted living facilities usually provide transportation services. If you start to notice traffic tickets, or unexplained or frequent dents and scratches on their vehicle, you should look into other housing options.
Take into consideration these 12 signs the next time you think taking care of your loved one is overwhelming and perhaps they will help you to make a decision regarding assisted living. If you are considering placement, please contact us for more information on your best options.