Your parents, understandably, want to keep their independence for as long as possible. Often, you can delay the move into assisted living.
But sometimes, there are signs your loved ones should begin looking at retirement community options. For example, you’ve noticed they’re having issues getting groceries.
Other cues will tell you that assisted living services will improve your parent’s quality of life. It’s important to know when to consider assisted living options. Below are telltale signs to look out for.
Recent Falls
Did you know that more than one in four adults 65 and older fall yearly? A younger person could probably walk it off, but falls can be a severe health emergency for older adults.
Falls are often due to decreased balance, mobility, and declining vision. Perhaps you’ve noticed this in your mom and it’s even led to a fall once. If she’s fallen once, then what’s to stop it from happening again?
You may want to consider senior care facilities to ensure there’s always help in case of a fall. There are helpful measures, like chair and bed alarms, but those won’t prevent falls.
They only warn you if your mom moves from her chair or bed. You have to be nearby for the precaution to matter. It’s not helpful if you live far off or your parents have no live-in aid.
A medical alert system may be better if your parents aren’t ready for assisted living. These systems are more flexible than chair and bed alarms, the user is always wearing an alarm they can use in emergencies.
Trouble With Medication Management
You may have noticed your dad isn’t keeping up with his prescriptions. Don’t make immediate assumptions that it’s memory issues. Many seniors skip medication because they can’t afford it – ask if that’s the issue.
There may also be the possibility he’s stopped taking them because he doesn’t like the adverse effects they have. Discuss both issues with your parent and doctor to find a workaround.
However, the issue may be memory-related. One amenity many assisted living communities have is medication management. There are staff who can assure your dad takes the medicine he needs.
Chronic or Worsening Health Issues
Sometimes chronic or worsening health can make independent living for seniors difficult. It’s often not easy to balance living alone with all the requirements to maintain one’s health.
For example, your loved one may have specific dietary requirements. But it’s not easy for them to shop or cook for themselves. You may not have time to do it or live too far away.
Another scenario is if your loved ones are taking longer than typical to recover from an illness or surgery. This could mean a weakening immune system.
Speak with your parents and their doctor if you’re concerned. It may be helpful to look into assisted living services. They may need to move somewhere they’re consistently monitored for their health conditions.
Trouble With Activities of Daily Living
One metric used to determine if it’s time to consider assisted living options is if an older adult can complete activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs include shopping, laundry, cooking, and housekeeping.
We mentioned shopping a few times already. Health issues may be to blame for being unable to get the groceries or sweep the floor. Be sure to ask what the problem is before gathering assisted living pamphlets.
Moving to a community that takes care of all this can be a relief for some. They don’t have to worry about ADLs and have more time to relax and enjoy socializing and hobbies.
Poor Hygiene
Grooming is another ADL that’s often neglected in old age. Have you noticed your loved ones aren’t taking care of themselves like they once did? This may present as unbrushed hair or clothing that’s half put on.
Body odor is another sign their hygiene regimen has fallen off. All this could be signs they’re having difficulty grooming. It could be due to problems getting into the bath or shower.
They may have problems bending and raising their arms to dress and do their hair. Poor grooming puts people at risk of infection. They may begin to suffer mental and emotional decline too.
Speak with your parents immediately. They may reveal difficulties living alone and should look into retirement community options.
Isolating Behaviors
You may notice your loved ones aren’t participating in social activities like they used to. Do they go days without leaving their house — it could be that they’re afraid to drive.
Driving competency often decreases in older adults. They may be unable to see well at night, or they can’t react to traffic signals like they used to.
They may feel discomfort participating in social events like in the past. Often your loved ones can still care for themselves but may be unhappy. A change in their living situation could do wonders for their mood.
Take the time to discuss why. You and your parents should honestly converse about any issues and what can be done to fix them.
No Access to a Supportive Community or Loved Ones
Are you or anyone able to regularly check in and visit your parents? Do they have regular social engagements, like book and gardening clubs, or bingo nights?
Do your parents have neighbors or any peers they can relate to? If not, you may want to look at assisted living communities. There will be many other people there your parents can befriend.
They’ll have various activities to keep your loved ones engaged. The community will also have staff to supervise your parents, 24/7.
Is It Time to Consider Assisted Living Options?
There are many signs to tell you when it’s time to consider assisted living options for your loved ones. The important thing to remember is to discuss those options together.
Another factor to keep in mind is community amenities. Baker Place amenities include pet therapy, memory care, respite care, medication management, and help with ADLs.
Baker Place aims to help our residents thrive in their golden years. Contact us to schedule a tour or discuss financial options.
