How do you know when your loved one needs more help than you are able to provide? You need to know when it is time for them to move into a retirement community and more specifically, assisted living. Sometimes, it is obvious to see the signs. Maybe your loved one has received advice from the doctor that it is time to consider assisted living or that they recently experienced a fall. But at other times, it can be hard to notice the signs. Maybe your parents forgot to lock the doors a few times or forgot to switch off the stove. Maybe they didn’t take their medicines on time.
It can be hard to identify the shift in their abilities to care for themselves until a big physical or cognitive decline happens. So, how will you know when it is time to move to assisted living? Read on to learn more about the signs that an older adult needs assisted living!
Does Your Loved One Need Assisted Living?
Generally, adult children who visit their parents will notice some memory lapses or behavioral changes. They consider such incidences to be isolated ones. The children might think it is just old age that their parents forgot to eat breakfast or make their bed. Incidences of behavioral changes or cognitive decline are pieces of the puzzle, revealing a bigger picture that adult children usually don’t see. These hints can be hard to assemble on your own.
Here are some common signs that suggest your loved one can benefit from assisted living:
- Needing reminders to take medication
- Loss of mobility or increase in falls
- Noticeable weight gain or loss
- Signs of neglecting household maintenance
- Increased isolation
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- No longer able to do the daily tasks of living such as preparing meals or grooming
Many retirement communities will offer neighborhoods for older adults with dementia.
Some signs that your parent might need memory care include:
- Getting lost or becoming disoriented
- Exhibiting aggressive behaviors
- Repeating questions or stories
- Difficulty concentrating, planning, or organizing
- Problems with speaking or struggling to find the correct words
- Dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnoses or cognitive decline that needs 24/7 care
If your loved one is recovering from a surgery or injury, some communities can provide the short-term care you need. This can be beneficial for older adults who need strength and conditioning after surgeries. This kind of skilled nursing can help with recovery from a fall, illness, or stroke.
Experience Senior Living At Seaton Hagerstown
Here at Seaton Hagerstown, we provide you with superior care, excellent amenities, lifestyle programs, and personalized service. This is a one-of-a-kind senior living experience with everything you need. We have two senior living options for you to choose from, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Our community is designed especially for our residents. Get to stay in our cozy suites, enjoy delicious meals, and take part in a wide range of fun activities. Here is where you can live an engaged and fulfilling life. Feel free to contact us for more information!
