What signs should you look for to determine if your loved one needs assisted living? There are instances when it’s not hard to spot the warning flags. Perhaps your elderly parent has suffered a fall or been advised by her doctor that it is time for her to explore moving into an assisted living community. However, there are situations when the warning signs are more difficult to spot. You might have noticed that your mother has forgotten to lock the front door once or twice, or that she has forgotten to turn off the stove. Possibly, during the past month, your dad missed a few doses of his medication. Changes in your loved one self-care skills, or a worsening in her physical or mental health, can be hard to spot.
When is The Right Time to go Into Assisted Living?
- Health Issues That Worsen
As health declines, it may be time to consider assisted living or a nursing home. Additionally, if they are slow to recover from injuries or illnesses, it may be a sign that their immune system is failing and that they will soon require more intensive care. If you are concerned, you should consult with their doctor. Their health may improve with full-time care in an assisted living or skilled nursing facility. Thus, It is important to include other family members in the decision-making process.
- Poor Dietary Habits
Do you find that your loved one frequently eats frozen or takeout food? Has there been a discernible shift in their weight throughout the past few months? A sudden shift in weight, either gain or loss, may be an indication of more serious health issues or a symptom that the individual is having difficulty preparing food. Discuss the potential causes of your loved one’s weight change with both your loved one and their doctor.
- Poor Hygiene
Have you noticed that the person you care about no longer practices the same level of self-care? Or have you noticed that your loved one might smell different? The inability to keep clean, which raises the danger of infection and has a multiplicative effect on mental and behavioral decline, might be reflected by these symptoms. If they are having trouble with ADLs like self-care or cooking, they may not be safe living on their own.
- Inability to Maintain a Home or a Yard
Are dishes washed and restrooms cleaned regularly? With less stress and a cleaner environment, an assisted living community could be the best option for your loved one if they are unable to maintain their own home. The responsibility of home maintenance may be too much for them, even though they could enjoy being homeowners. Have a conversation with them about whether or not they would want to live in an area where they will not be responsible for the maintenance or upkeep of the house.
- Mood Swings or Aggressive Behavior
They may need to go to an assisted living community if their aggressive conduct is linked to dementia and bewilderment. These types of hospitals and skilled nursing homes often offer specialized memory care units for patients who are presently afflicted with dementia.
- They Look Unhappy And Sad
Even if they can look after themselves, they may be looking for a new adventure. If they don’t appear to be happy, you might inquire as to whether or not a shift in their living circumstances could make them happier.
