Signs Your Loved One May Need Assisted Living

Aging is an inevitable part of life and many older adults may reach a point when they can no longer care for themselves. This may leave their adult children with difficult decisions such as determining if and when their aging parents need additional care.

This article will list a number of signs for adult children to look out for.

Has your loved one's hygiene changed?

Seniors who live alone may be afraid to bathe or shower due to physical difficulties or the fear of slipping and falling. If they are suffering from cognitive impairment or dementia they may forget to bathe. Good hygiene can help prevent infections, skin conditions, and other health issues. It can also promote a sense of well-being, self-esteem, and confidence.

Is the stress of caregiving becoming too much to handle?

The stress of caring for someone else can potentially affect the health of the caregiver. Caregivers often experience higher levels of stress that other people and may feel overwhelmed. Some signs of caregiver stress include, feeling tired or depressed, sleeping too much or not enough, feeling alone, missing your own medical appointments, becoming irritated or angry. If the stress of caregiving is becoming too much to handle, it may be time to consider assisted living.

Does your loved one have chronic health problems?

If a loved one's health is declining, it may be difficult to determine if they can safely stay at home. Maybe they are having repeated visits to the hospital or rehab. Is your loved one following doctor orders? Are they taking their medication? Sometimes older adults can forget to take medication or forget to take it at all, leading to over-medicating.

Does your loved one have mobility issues?

When older adults have mobility issues it can increase the chances of a fall. Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults aged 65 and older. This can be a concerning issue for older adults living alone. Also, cluttered homes and homes with small pets can be a tripping hazard that increases the risk of a serious fall.

Is your loved one socially isolated or lonely?

Loneliness and isolation can be signs that someone lacks the support they need to live independently. Social isolation can have a negative impact on health and an increased risk of depression and cognitive decline. Assisted Living communities are built around engaging seniors and providing a place where older adults can be socially active.

Does your loved one need help with managing their medications?

Medication is important for older adults to maintain their health, so neglecting to take it can be of concern. Forgetting if they took it already is also common and can lead to over-medicating. Medication management whether handled by in-home caregivers or in an assisted living community can help to ensure your loved one is taking their medication consistently and at the proper dosages.

Is your loved one having difficulty performing daily activities?

As we age it can become more difficult to perform daily tasks such as walking, bathing, dressing, or eating, especially if you add on a chronic disease that hinders them even more. If these activities are becoming more difficult, then you can forget about cooking and cleaning.

Is your loved one having cognitive issues?

Some forgetfulness with aging is normal, such as, "Where did I leave the car keys?" When there is increasing forgetfulness and confusion, that is a red flag. Not being able to find their way home, wandering outside with little idea of how they got there, or shifts in behavior are signs of possible dementia. At this point, safety is a major concern for leaving them at home without supervision. Assisted living communities that focus on Memory Care are ideal for older adults with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Assisted living communities are designed to provide help with daily tasks, like medication management and mobility assistance, so you can avoid the risk of accidents or injuries at home. Knowing that there is always someone nearby in case of an emergency can give peace of mind. Having the chance to meet new friends and be part of a community, socializing and engaging in activities with others can make a huge difference in staying happy and healthy.