If your older loved one is living at home alone, there may come at time that you need to consider long-term assisted living. Recognizing when it is time to transition to a senior living community, however, can be a difficult decision. Here are some telltale signs that may indicate it’s time to consider assisted living for your senior loved one.
Their health is declining.
If your older loved one has a chronic health condition that is getting worse, it should not be ignored. Most ongoing illnesses require daily monitoring and assistance from a professional care team. A big part of assisted living is providing healthcare and 24/7 medical assistance to residents. If your loved one’s health is deteriorating, an assisted living facility can provide them with the around-the-clock care they need while giving you peace of mind.
They struggle with activities of daily living.
Activities of daily living (ADLs) include bathing, dressing, grooming, and using the restroom. An older adult who has difficulty managing these basic personal care needs will have a very hard time living on their own. The good news is that assisted living communities are designed to help seniors with activities of daily living and give them the support they need to age safely and comfortably in place.
You are concerned about their safety.
Has your loved one fallen recently at home? Or maybe you have noticed a decrease in their mobility, or they are forgetting to turn off appliances. The older you get, the more frequent falls and injuries become. Fortunately, many of these falls can be prevented if a senior has the supervision of a caregiver by their side. At an assisted living facility, there is always staff available who can lend a hand, prevent falls, and offer immediate assistance if an emergency occurs.
They have become increasingly socially isolated.
If your loved one is displaying symptoms of depression or expressing feelings of loneliness, it might be a good time to transition them to assisted living. Assisted living communities are designed with social interaction in mind, offering activities and amenities that give seniors a chance to engage with other seniors in their same stage of life.
They are experiencing memory loss.
Seniors living with dementia, or any type of cognitive decline, are not capable of living safely at home alone. Missing doctor appointments, not paying bills, or getting lost are all clues that they are experiencing memory loss. It is important that you seek the support from an assisted living community where your loved one can receive constant supervision and care.
You have caregiver burnout.
Finally, if you have been serving as your loved one’s primary caregiver, it is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed or exhausted. Finding outside care in an assisted living community can help relieve you from your responsibilities as caregiver so that you can focus on spending quality time with your love done.
Exploring Your Assisted Living Options
Taking all these signs into account, families and caregivers should approach the topic with compassion and patience. Involve your elderly loved one in the decision-making process to the extent that they are able. Moving to an assisted living community is not a small transition, but when partnering with a professional community like The Oaks at Bartlett, your loved one can enjoy quality care, necessary support and an enriching environment that seniors need to thrive.
