Many seniors avoid conversations about when to choose assisted living for as long as possible, and for understandable reasons – uprooting your entire life and moving to a new place is never easy. As a family member tasked with caring for your older loved one and helping them navigate this new phase of their life, it can be just as challenging to determine when assisted living is a good option. Very rarely is there a single event that signals the time is right. In this blog, we will go over some signs that assisted living might benefit your aging family member and how to start the discussion.
Are You Ready to Choose Assisted Living?
While we hope to provide information to help you make a decision, you shouldn’t think of this list as a checklist. Instead, when you notice some of these warning signs, further research your assisted living options and make a holistic decision that includes talking to your family member. Some issues – like injuries or ailments that significantly impair cognitive or physical capabilities – more obviously signal the need for assisted living.
Sign #1 – Mobility Issues
Everyone should have the capability to move around their house, and older Americans and their families should consider assisted living if mobility issues are causing hardships during daily life. Whether it be stairs, tight corridors, or simply long walks from room to room, a living space not compatible with someone’s mobility capabilities is not enjoyable to live in. The rooms and grounds of an assisted living facility are designed to help alleviate these concerns; if needed, staff are ready to help.
Sign #2 – Memory Issues
Worsening memory affects a wide range of bodily functions and everyday activities, much more than people tend to realize. For seniors alone at home, memory issues can lead to confusion, fear, and anxiety that worsen over time. In addition, seniors with memory issues are at a much higher risk of missing medications and meals crucial to their health and well-being. One of the most common services provided at assisted living and memory care facilities is assistance reminding and helping seniors with their medications.
Sign #3 – Falling
Even healthy adults can trip and fall, but a growing count of falls is a cause for concern for your older loved one. In addition to any injuries sustained as a result of the falls, living alone means your family member may not have a way to contact the outside world to receive help in a timely fashion. At an assisted living facility, help can arrive in less than a minute to ensure the best outcome possible.
Sign #4 – Difficulty Completing Daily Tasks
There are many activities that everyone needs to do every day, no matter how tedious, monotonous, or challenging they become. As people age, one or all of these activities may become difficult, and their day is often consumed with thinking about overcoming these issues and exerting themselves physically. Whether cooking, cleaning, bathing, eating, or going to the bathroom, life is easier when assistance speeds up the process. Many residents in our facility only need help with certain tasks, and our staff is happy to provide personalized care that fits the specific needs of your family member.
Sign #5 – Mood Changes
Mood and temperament changes are common in seniors due to various physical and mental factors. Constant chronic pain can sour anyone’s mood, and isolation stemming from mobility or transportation issues can exacerbate problems. Assisted living provides your loved one a safe and secure location to continue their life surrounded by people who understand their situation and are ready to help them thrive in their new environment. Friendly new neighbors, fun social events, and caring staff help brighten the mood of new residents of our facility.
If you are noticing signs that your loved one may be ready to choose assisted living, contact A Banyan Residence today. We are happy to help with the information you need.
