Noticing that a loved one is moving slower, having difficulty with driving, or their own personal care?
Seeing a loved one struggling with activities or tasks is heartbreaking, especially when you cannot help them as much as you’d like. Slowing down, mobility, and health challenges are typical for aging. But how do you know when you need additional help?
We’ve put together a list of signs that it’s time for a loved one to move to senior living.
Frequent Falls and Injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every four older adults will fall each year in the United States, making falls a serious health concern among the aging population. Falls lead to severe injuries, such as broken bones, head injuries, and hip fractures.
Whether an older adult lives alone or with you, frequent falls and injuries are significant signs that a loved one could benefit from the safety of a senior living community. A loved one injured from a fall can also benefit from the short-term rehabilitation services provided in many senior living communities.
Deteriorating Health
A chronic health condition that’s deteriorating or a new diagnosis of a severe illness are red flags that you may need help.
If you can no longer manage and monitor your loved one’s healthcare needs, it may be time for a loved one to move to a senior living community. Caregivers, nurses, and therapists are available in senior living communities to help residents manage and maintain their health.
Neglected Household and Everyday Responsibilities
Taking care of a household requires a lot of time and energy. Piles of dirty laundry, dirty dishes, upswept floors, clutter, and an overgrown yard may indicate that your loved one needs to downsize. An empty refrigerator, unpaid bills, and unopened mail are additional signs that a loved one could benefit from moving to a senior living community.
The following services and amenities allow residents to enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle:
- Housekeeping
- Weekly laundry services
- Maintenance and repairs
- Medication reminders
Signs of Social Isolation or Loneliness
Raising children and work responsibilities make it difficult for even the most well-meaning family members to spend time with an older loved one. In addition, the inability to drive and a lack of mobility can make it difficult for seniors to get around.
A loved one showing signs of social isolation and loneliness should be taken very seriously. Social isolation increases a person’s risk for heart disease, dementia, stroke, and premature death.
Senior living communities keep residents active and busy with the following:
- Planned activities
- Transportation to local shopping centers and events
- Onsite entertainment
- Volunteering opportunities
- Art and music classes
- Fitness classes
Poor Hygiene
Changes in your loved one’s hygiene such as unwashed hair, dirty fingers, uncut toenails, body odor, or inability to make it to the bathroom, are all signs that it may be time for senior living.
Assisted living communities allow residents to maintain their dignity and independence by assisting with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
Wrap-up and Next Steps
Determining it’s time for a loved one to move to senior living is a difficult decision. However, there are telltale signs that senior living may be a safe choice for your loved one.
Contact one of the friendly professionals at Seasons Senior Living to set up a tour.
