4 Signs That Your Aging Loved One Needs Assisted Living

The process of aging affects every person differently. Some seniors tend to do just fine well into their later years living alone. On the other hand, others need more assistance from an earlier time. Some might be doing just fine only to take a sudden turn for the worst.

If you are responsible for overseeing the health and wellbeing of an aging loved one, it can be challenging to determine when the time is right to make a move to a more assisted style of living.

There are a variety of communities designed to cater to the needs of individuals at various stages in life. However, how can you know if it is time for your parent to transition to a less independent style of living?

The key to understanding when the time has arrived for such a change is to be diligent. You should be aware of several indicators that can help you determine if your loved one needs more help.

Since most of the motivations for moving an aging loved one to an assisted living community are tied to their mental and physical health and wellbeing, you must stay in tune with their needs in these areas.

With that in mind, here are four signs to be on the lookout for if you feel that your aging loved one might need to transition to an assisted living community in the near future.

1. You Know When Your Elderly Parent Needs Help When Mental Health Issues Become More Apparent

The physical conditions and issues that your loved one is facing can often be apparent. However, physical health matters aren’t the only healthcare matters to be considered.

Certain mental health conditions can make it unsafe for your loved one to carry on in the same manner.

Memory loss, for instance, is a common issue among aging seniors. While some forgetfulness might not be too much of a cause for concern, things like forgetting to take medication or neglecting to lock the door at night can be a recipe for disaster.

If you notice the development of certain mental health issues, it is likely time to consider an assisted living community.

Thankfully, moving your loved ones to such a community doesn’t just mean that they will be looked after regarding such things as medication and security. Rather, communities like Belmont Senior Living even offer memory care on-site for residents.

Such programs cater to those suffering from memory loss and can help preserve your loved one’s mental health for longer.

2. It Might Be Time for Assisted Living if Mobility is Limited

Even if your aging loved one doesn’t suffer from any particular physical health conditions, that doesn’t mean they will be able to continue to live independently for much longer. As the body ages, natural limitations on mobility are going to arise. This can make simple tasks such as getting in and out of the shower or reaching for certain items dangerous.

They can sustain many injuries from tripping and falling. Therefore, if you notice your loved one is growing limited by their mobility, you should consider an assisted living community.

Such communities offer residences equipped with safety measures that assist with mobility issues, such as specially designed showers and baths. They can also help residents with washing and getting around the community too.

3. Elderly Parent Neglects Home Maintenance

Sometimes, it is more helpful to take a good look at your loved one’s living conditions. The status of their home will tell you a great deal about how well they are getting on.

For instance, if some noticeable home maintenance matters have clearly been neglected, such as leaking faucets or broken rain gutters, you might want to intervene and help them to get the repairs completed.

However, more noticeable negligence like a dirty home or dishes piling up in the sink, you might need to have a conversation with your loved one.

They might no longer feel as though they can take care of such tasks on their own. Unfortunately, living in an unclean environment for too long can take a toll on their mental health. The sooner you can intervene and help them to see that they deserve to live in a clean and healthy home, the better off they will be in the long run.

Be sure to emphasize that in moving to an assisted living community, they can have someone take care of housekeeping and laundry for them, among other things. This can help them to understand better how they can benefit from an assisted living scenario.

4. Increased Isolation Might Be a Sign to Put Your Parent in a Nursing Home

Many aging seniors also exhibit signs of isolation when not all is well with their living situation. They might have some idea that how they live is no longer sustainable but wish to conceal it from friends. This can make them reluctant to have visitors at all.

They might also avoid leaving the house as their mobility, and physical state is no longer what it once was. Again, a desire for such things to remain unnoticed by family can cause them to isolate themselves.

Make sure to highlight to your loved one that moving to an assisted living community, the status of their home, and their physical health and wellbeing will be much better looked after in the long run.

Would you put an elderly parent in an assisted living community if the need arises?