An assisted living facility is a community of adults who need with carrying out daily living activities such as housekeeping, cooking, bathing, toileting, and taking medications among others. This community can help your loved ones to socialize and bond with other adults and staff of the facility.
When you notice that the well-being of your loved one is threatened as a result of their health deteriorating by the day or they are experiencing frequent falls. At this point, assisted living might be the right option for them. There are assisted living facilities that provide memory loss and support for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Signs that It is time to move your Loved one to Assisted Living Facility
It is a hard thing to take that our loved ones can no longer live on their own. They now need assistance with daily activities such as bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing, and taking medications. We just have to come to terms with the fact that it may be time to move them to an assisted living facility.
Most of the signs that it is time for assisted living can be glaring but needs to be managed well with proper communication with everyone involved. Below are some of the important signs that you need to move your loved one to assisted living;
Physical Changes
There are a lot of changes that occur to the body as old age sets in. There is a change in appearance, body odor, and weight loss are some of the changes that come with old age. Also, there is a decrease in physical strength that makes them unable to do a lot of things like cooking, gardening, and cleaning among other things.
They tend to eat less or are eating unhealthy foods that can affect them. At this stage, you might want to discuss the option of assisted living with them.
Emergencies
Frequent falls and other medical emergencies can also indicate that assisted living might be needed for your loved one. If the fall becomes reoccurring and you have received several calls from friends and neighbors, you need to talk to them about how they can get help. Mobility issue is one of the problems elders faces and this is due to weakened bones, and stiffness in the joints. At this stage, they might need around-the-clock care and this can be gotten via assisted living.
Depression
Loneliness is one thing that can lead your seniors to depression or the loss of a loved one can also quickly move them into depression. This can lead to mood swings, loss of appetite, and sleep among others. They need to be encouraged to socialize and avoid being on their own.
Safety and Security Issues
If your loved one is at risk of being involved in fire incidents or wandering as a result of dementia or forgetfulness, leaving them to continue to live alone is not the best option for them. You don’t want a situation where your loved one is kidnapped or out of the home without any idea of their whereabouts. This can be devastating, to avoid such a scenario, it is good you think of getting them to an assisted living.
Clutter
Everywhere in the home looking messy, with the surroundings unkempt and your loved one isn’t bothered is a sign that things are not right. Poor housekeeping and reluctance in getting rid of waste items is a sign that your senior need assisted living.
Poor Financial Management
Inability to properly manage their finances is a clear indication that they need help. You can discover this by checking their emails for emails from their creditors and insurance companies. Checking their emails will give you an idea of who they are interacting with and if you notice anything fishy you can protect them from falling into the hands of scammers.
Slow Recovery
Old age is synonymous with slow recovery from health conditions and injuries. If they sustain an injury that has refused to heal or are facing health challenges that wouldn’t go away, consider taking them to assisted living.
How to Choose the Right Facility
When you are choosing assisted living for your loved one, you have to do your due diligence, do not assume that the higher the cost, the better the quality. Also, don’t choose based on proximity, go on a tour of the facility to see things firsthand. Ask as many questions as possible to be sure your loved one will be getting the best care.
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