Making the decision to seek full-time care for a loved one isn’t easy and, unfortunately, it isn’t a straightforward process. If you’re concerned about your parents’ health and happiness, talk with them about potential care and living options. Keep reading for a few signs it may be time to start the conversation with your loved one.
11 Signs it May Be Time for Assisted Living
- There has been a recent fall. Should your loved ones experience a fall, you want to make sure a plan is in place for their safety. Frequent falls are a sign that additional care may benefit their health.
- Your loved one is having difficulty with activities of daily living. Activities of daily living (ADLs) are routine, everyday activities people perform. Basic ADLs include eating, bathing, getting dressed, functional transfers and toileting. It may be time for assisted living if you notice your loved ones struggling to perform these tasks.
- A chronic health condition is getting worse. The sooner your parents make the move to a community once a health condition progresses, the better. This way, they have a choice in where they wish to live and can make friends, as well as, establish a routine.
- Home maintenance is a burden. From everyday maintenance like mowing the lawn and keeping the house tidy to major repairs, upkeep of their home may be more than your parents can handle. Moving to an assisted living facility can result in less stress and offer a more sanitary living space.
- Mood changes are more common. Aggressive and isolating behaviors are an early sign of dementia. Making the move to an assisted living community and receiving the care they need can help increase your parents’ happiness.
- Their current lifestyle poses a danger. An increasing amount of accidents in the home or on the road could signal the need for a safer lifestyle.
- Recovery time from an illness or injury is increasing. A weakened immune system can lead to prolonged recovery time. Discuss with your parents’ doctor any concerns you may have about their health and safety – this could mean that your parents will need more care soon.
- Acquittances have made comments of concern. Friends and neighbors, or even other family members, may have noticed things that you haven’t about your parents’ health and well-being. Input from others can help you make a more informed decision about your parents’ health.
- There’s been an increase in mobility problems. Are your loved ones having trouble walking up and down stairs? Or are they unsteady getting in and out of a chair? Challenges like these suggest your parents may need additional care to make their lives easier.
- Their needs currently exceed the amount of care they can receive. Being a caregiver requires a lot of work, both physically and emotionally. If you or another family member is experiencing burnout from caregiver duties, it may be best to seek additional care for your parents at an assisted living community.
- Your loved ones aren’t happy. We all want the best for those we love. If your parents aren’t happy and could benefit from additional care or increased socialization opportunities, a community lifestyle could help improve their lifestyle.
Discover Quality Assisted Living Services at Heritage Senior Living
Assisted living shouldn’t revolve around what your loved ones can’t do. Instead, we at Heritage Senior Living focus on what they can do and offer compassionate assistance when needed. Our full-time licensed nurses and 24/7 staff ensure residents receive the care and assistance they need while allowing them to remain as independent as possible. And, along with expert care, our homelike atmosphere offers the best in senior living. Engaging amenities range from activity rooms with daily events, movie theaters, libraries, cozy common areas and more.
Contact us today to learn more. We’d love to get to know your parents and family and answer any questions you have.
