Senior assisted living communities are designed specifically for seniors who need housing and care services. These communities offer comfortable, homelike living conditions while also providing medical and nursing care, depending on their individual needs. But who, exactly, is considered a candidate for senior assisted living? We’ll look at some of the top signs below.
Chronic Health Problems
When a loved one’s health begins to fail, it can be hard to determine whether they are safely able to remain in their home. While you want your loved one to be comfortable, safety should always come first. Take time to discuss your concerns with your loved one, and look for signs that may indicate that senior assisted living would be beneficial.
Unable To Handle Daily Life Activities
People who don’t suffer from any illnesses might be candidates for assisted living if they struggle with certain physical limitations that prevent them from caring for themselves independently. If your parent can’t handle basic household tasks like cleaning or cooking anymore, they may need some extra help. This is especially true if your parent relies on you for assistance with these types of tasks. Suppose you can no longer provide caregiving due to work obligations, health issues, time constraints or any other reason. In that case, it might be time to start looking into assisted living options in your area.
Recent Falls
This is perhaps one of the most common reasons many are candidates forassisted living. Many loved ones are at increased risk for falls as they age, particularly if their health declines. This is due to various factors, including balance issues, vision problems, and even dementia. If your loved one has recently suffered a fall or you’re noticing some risk factors on their behalf, it might be time to consider assisted living.
Forgetting To Take Their Medicine
As we age, our memories fade. Not only does forgetting our meds make it difficult to remember what we need to take and when, but it also makes it less likely that we’ll take them—often resulting in unnecessary doctor visits and worse health. Medication adherence can be problematic even for younger people; according to some studies, 20% of patients fail to fill a prescription, while 30% don’t take medication as directed. But for family members who have memory problems or rely on others for help with daily tasks, forgetfulness about medication intake can be dangerous.
Poor Eating Habits
Did you know that older adults are at higher risk for chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, making it more challenging to eat well? Additionally, many aging family members tend to have difficulties chewing or swallowing. Finally, they often live alone without family members to prepare meals for them. These factors play a role in why many struggle with eating habits that aren’t conducive to their long-term health. If your loved one is struggling with poor eating habits—or if you think they might benefit from assisted living—it may be time to consider an assisted living facility.
