It can be unpleasant and frustrating having to determine whether or not it’s time for your elderly loved one to relocate to Assisted Living, particularly if they’re opposed to it. You might be thinking about all the elements you ought to consider before starting the discussion and if there are any clear indicators you need to be aware of. If you’re unsure, here are five key signs that will tell you it’s time to make the transition to Assisted Living for your aging parents.
Fears for Their Safety and Security
According to the National Council on Aging, an elderly person is in a hospital getting emergency care for falls every 11 seconds! If your aging parent is experiencing difficulty climbing the staircases in their house, or if you’ve noticed any incidences of memory problems or disorientation, they could no longer be safe by themselves. Additionally, memory problems could be a sign of an underlying medical condition that’s more severe.
Deteriorating Health or Chronic Health Problems
A persistent medical problem that gets worse every day should be raising some red flags. It could be time to step up their care level requirements and depend on a team of qualified specialists who are committed to their residents’ health, instead of attempting to manage your loved one’s deteriorating health all by yourself.
Lack of Self-Grooming and Normal Hygiene Habits
If your loved one’s hygiene habits have changed, like if they have oily and untidy hair, unclean and excessively long, chipped fingernails, or a bodily stench, then these are causes for alarm because poor self – care is likely due to neglecting themselves. Some additional indicators of self-neglect involve:
- Sudden weight loss, malnourishment, or constant dehydration
- Hardly any food, or lots of expired food in the fridge
- Improper administration of prescribed medication
- Reluctance to take their medicines
- Many unopened letters or warning notices
- Utility services that are not operating
- Filthy living and sleeping conditions
Self-neglect is a major cause of premature mortality among elderly adults, so if you detect these red flags around your aging parents, you should immediately explore ways to help them.
Increasing Social Isolation and Loneliness
Similar to self-neglect, isolation and loneliness are major causes of premature mortality. Age-related social isolation can occur among individuals who have few social connections, live independently, suffer hearing loss, or struggle with mobility. Many chronic illnesses, Alzheimer’s, and neurodegeneration are all frequently linked to senior isolation. Even health issues including cancer and heart disease have long been associated with it too.
Isolation and loneliness can manifest themselves in a number of ways, such as emotional withdrawal, a lack of motivation for hygienic practices, unhealthy diets, hoarding tendencies, and unsanitary living environments.
Handling Everyday Tasks Becomes More Difficult
Does your loved one struggle to carry out simple duties like making meals? Are there no fresh ingredients in their home, only leftover takeout or salt-rich snacks? Or do they appear messy and struggle to wash and clothe themselves? If they’re exhibiting all these signs, they may not be handling their daily life properly.
Furthermore, if they start losing weight, fail to take their meds, miss doctor’s appointments, or if their capacity to adequately care for themselves is hampered by cognitive or physical impairments, it might be prudent to help them by transitioning to an assisted living community.
