Many adult children today feel stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to discussing assisted living options with their senior parent(s). Deciding whether it’s the right time and/or whether they will be met with resistance from their loved one is often what delays the discussion. Luckily, you are not alone and there are many helpful articles at your disposal that can assist you in making this decision and having this discussion go more smoothly. This is one of those articles that you can use to gather information and learn if you are rightly identifying the signs that it is time for you to start considering senior living options for your loved one that will ultimately benefit their quality of life and potentially prolong it.
Noticeable Changes in Hygiene…
Showers, teeth and hair brushing, moisturizing, shaving and nail clipping are all examples of hygienic measures that should be taken when good hygiene is prevalent. If you are noticing some of these measures are being neglected, it could be a sign that it is difficult for your loved ones to maintain their hygiene which is important for their overall mental, physical and emotional health.
Poor Health That Isn’t Getting Better…
If your loved one has been sick and it seems that their health hasn’t gone back to normal, this could be a sign that their immune system is weakening which would call for extra care and guidance from health care professionals. Having these services performed at a local assisted living or skilled nursing home may help improve their quality of life and help enhance their health.
Falls Are Frequent…
Falls are commonly experienced throughout the senior community and can be life-threatening. As a matter of fact, falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in adults aged 65 and older. It could be a matter of time until one fall can lead to a loved one's inability to reach help. Whether it is time for assisted living or time to install a medical alert system, it is definitely a sign it may be time to discuss assisted living options with their safety in mind.
Managing Medications has Become Difficult…
If you notice your loved one has failed to maintain their medication schedule, this could be a sign assisted living is necessary. Maintaining health is important for living a long life and if medication administration times are often being missed then health will inevitably decline until medication management is under control again. Assisted living facilities have staff working with residents to help remind them to take their medication at the right times on a daily basis.
Difficulty Completing Activities of Daily Living…
Does your loved one find it difficult to complete tasks such as doing laundry or cooking a meal? This could be a sign they may need extra assistance completing activities of daily living (ADL’s). There are companies available for an hourly wage who can come into their home and help with laundry or cooking, but if completing ADL’s extends to their inability to maintain body hygiene, then assisted living communities could be the answer.
Poor Eating Habits…
Have you noticed your loved one's normally nutritious meals have severely reduced over a period of time? Are they only eating take-out or frozen meals? Can you notice a weight fluctuation, either losing or gaining weight? This could be a sign that your loved one finds it difficult or exhausting to prepare their own nutritious meals. Assisted living communities offer seniors a range of healthy meals prepared by professional chefs in a fully equipped kitchen and catered to most food restrictions or diets necessary to improve their chronic health conditions.
Inability to Manage Home & Yard Upkeep…
Are the dishes washed and put away? Has their bed been made? Is the bathroom clean? Is the floor tidied and clear of anything that may cause a fall? If you think that your loved one is having difficulty cleaning up their home and keeping the yard tidied, this could be a sign they may need extra assistance around the house or possibly relocate to an assisted living facility that can help them keep their living space clean and free of potential hazards.
Pets Seem Neglected…
If it seems that your loved one's pet is being overfed, under-fed, has no water in their water bowl or its hygiene has become unkempt, this is a sign there could be mobility or cognitive issues. Luckily, many assisted living communities are pet friendly and can help the pet get the care they need.
Isolation is Prevalent…
Has your loved one stopped participating in social activities? Do you notice they are home most of the time? This could be a sign they are having difficulty with mobility or lacking the motivation to get out and make new friends, which can lead to depression. This could be a sign that your loved one can benefit from the social atmosphere in assisted living communities.
Friends or Neighbors Express Concerns…
You may not be the only person noticing the decline of your loved ones mobility, health or cognitive ability. If you are approached by friends or neighbors about the well-being of your senior parent(s) then discuss what they have observed and identify if it is one or more of these signs. If so, it could be time to make the transition into an assisted living community.
Making this call isn’t always easy, especially for the children or friends of seniors who seem to have no desire to move into an assisted living community. If you notice your loved one is experiencing several of these signs, start gently in your conversation, express your concern and reassure them that a retirement community could benefit their health and promote a healthy lifestyle. And remember, assisted living isn’t the end of the road, it is only the beginning of what could be a luxurious and exciting life that your loved ones deserve!
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