As your parents or loved ones age, you’ll have to help them choose where they should live. There are various types of senior housing, and assisted living is one of them. Assisted living facilities are housing options for individuals who need help with daily activities (like cooking and bathing) but don’t necessarily require a lot of daily medical care. If you think your friend or relative may no longer be safe living independently, here are some signs that may help you that it’s time to look for assisted living facilities
Recent Falls
If the individual falls again, how long might they be stuck before someone comes to help? Frequent falls, mainly if your loved one can’t get help, indicate that it’s time for more help or an assisted living facility. If they’re not ready for assisted living, consider getting a medical alert system.
Chronic Or Worsening Health Problems
If worsening health is a main concern, it might be time to make a move into an assisted living facility or nursing home. Also, if they’re taking longer to heal from illness or injury, this can be an alert of a weakening immune system they might require more care soon. Talk to their doctor if you are worried. Having care full-time by Senior care availability in assisted living facilities might improve their health.
Difficulty Managing Medications
Have you seen your loved one not keeping up with their medicines? If so, ask them why. Is it financial trouble, or do they forget to take it? If they don’t take medication because they forget, assisted living can help. The attendants can make sure they take the medicine they need.
Problems Completing Activities Of Daily Living
Can your loved ones cook for themselves? Can they do their laundry? If not, you must look into full-time care. Living in a facility that manages things like cooking and cleaning can give your loved one more time for socializing or doing the things they love.
Poor Eating Habits
Is your loved one mainly eating takeout or frozen meals? Has their weight changed greatly in the last few months? Rapid weight gain or loss can be an indication of serious medical issues or a sign that they’re having problems preparing food. Have a talk with your loved one and their doctor about potential causes for the change in their weight.
Hygiene Problems
Have you seen your loved one has stopped taking care of themselves like they used to? Have you noticed a new body smell? These can be an indication someone is having a difficult time bathing, which puts them at risk of infection and increases the likelihood of mental and emotional decline. Difficulties with self-care or other activities of daily living are a sign someone may not be OK living by themselves.
New Or Worsening Mobility Issues
Does your loved one have a problem walking? Can they get up and down stairs on their own without assistance? If not, they may have to renovate their house for aging in place or move to an assisted living facility to ensure their safety.
Decreased Driving Competency
If they can’t get around on their own, consider their access to public transportation or ride-shares. If these aren’t an alternative, Senior care availability in an assisted living community that gives transportation to and from doctor appointments and social events could help them remain mobile without the risk.
Your Loved One Gets Lost Or Disoriented Outside Of The House
Have you seen your loved one wandering out of their house without a clear sense of where they’re going? Wandering is usually a sign of dementia. If this issue continues, talk to your loved one and their doctor. Often, individuals who have dementia benefit from living in an assisted living facility with a memory care unit developed to make their life safer and ease anxiety and confusion.
They Seem Unhappy
Even if they can take care of themselves, they might be prepared for a change. If they don’t look happy, ask if a change in their living condition could improve their mood.
They’ve Begun To Isolate Themselves
Has your loved one stopped partaking in social activities they used to enjoy? Do their whole days go without leaving their house? If so, talk to them about why. They may be frightened to drive or uncomfortable partaking in social events which they enjoy. A conversation about why they spend so much time at home can support you in getting to the root of any issues that might show they should move to a place where Senior care availability is available in an assisted living facility.
