Seniors often need additional help. Family members must know when they can continue to live alone and when they need extra help. To do so, they must know five indicators that it is time to consider assisted living. These signs suggest seniors can no longer ensure their safety and well-being without extra help. What are five things families should look for?
Personal Hygiene Issues
Any decline in a senior’s hygiene should concern family members. Their loved one may need assisted living. Families should consider whether skipping showers and baths or wearing the same outfit multiple days in a row is because the senior has been ill or can no longer bathe and dress alone. Mobility and memory issues can lead to a lack of personal hygiene, or the person might be sick and unable to complete these things. They need medical attention to get back on track. An assisted living facility will benefit these individuals long-term or until they recover from the illness or injury.
Weight Loss or Unhealthy Eating
A senior who suddenly loses weight or isn’t eating correctly should be attended to. They may find it difficult to grocery shop or prepare meals, and memory issues could lead to them forgetting to eat. Check their refrigerator for processed foods or items that are spoiled and expired. Weight loss could suggest they are skipping meals, possibly because they forget or don’t want the hassle of cooking for one. An assisted living facility provides meals for residents, so they don’t need to shop for groceries, cook, or clean.
Memory Issues
Every person forgets things at times. When memory decline impacts daily life, seniors need additional help. They may miss medical appointments or forget their medications. Unpaid bills or wandering are signs of memory decline that must be addressed. Depending on the extent of the decline, the senior may benefit from assisted living or need memory care.
Untidy Homes
A senior might be unable to keep their home clean or complete maintenance tasks because doing so tires them or they have physical limitations preventing them from doing so. When a house is always untidy or the yard is unkempt, consider assisted living for the senior. Staff members at the assisted living community handle these tasks so residents can enjoy life.
Safety
Seniors are prone to accidents that can severely injure them. If an elderly loved one falls regularly or has bruises they can’t explain, it may be time for a move to assisted living. When they struggle to get out of bed or have problems navigating stairs, assisted living may be the answer. These communities have safety measures, such as handrails and emergency response systems, to protect seniors.
Why Choose Assisted Living?
Assisted living offers personalized care plans to ensure residents have the highest quality of life. Living spaces are comfortable and designed with seniors in mind, and staff members plan activities and programs to keep residents engaged. Meals and nutritional support are provided, and all staff members undergo training to ensure they provide the care residents need.
Every family needs to know the signs that it is time to move a loved one to assisted living. Many families hesitate to take this step. They may be unwilling to accept that their loved one is aging and needs additional help, or they may have concerns about the cost. Several other things may prevent a family from considering this option, but they should. The benefits of assisted living are widespread. Families must recognize this and consider this option when their loved ones need help.