Assisted living is a type of senior housing created for those who need different levels of personal and medical care. If you have a loved one who is reaching the stage of needing extra support and care, it may be time to look into assisted living options. If you’re not sure what step to take next, here is a guide on what signs to look out for in your loved one which could indicate it’s time for them to go into assisted living.
Chronic Health Problems
If your loved one has chronic health problems, as they age, the condition will continue to worsen. What’s more, their immune system may weaken which will make them more susceptible to viruses and illness. Conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s can often lead to urinary incontinence too, which will require reusable incontinence pads. You may find that you’re unable to meet your loved one’s health needs, meaning it may be time to look into assisted living.
Forgetting to Take Medication
We all forget to take medication from time to time. However, this can be a real problem if it’s frequent. If your loved one isn’t keeping on top of their medication, any health conditions they suffer from could get worse. Should your loved one move into an assisted living facility, you can be confident that the staff will be there to remind them to take their medicine.
Change in Behavior
If your loved one has dementia, as the disease progresses, they may start becoming more aggressive. Sadly, this is a distressing effect of the disease, so if you notice a change in their behavior, assisted living may be the right step to take. Should you try and care for a loved one who is physically or verbally abusive, this can have a huge impact on your own health and wellbeing. Therefore, finding a safe place for your loved one with trained professionals will mean they can handle difficult situations and, most importantly, provide the right care.
Recent Falls
As your loved one reaches their senior years, they may have problems with their mobility. Falls are common among seniors and, if they live alone, there are all kinds of hazards in the home where they are at risk of falling. If your loved one has had a fall recently and you are concerned that they may be unable to call for assistance or get up, moving them into an assisted living facility will mean they can be monitored 24/7.
Difficulty Handling Daily Tasks
Whether it’s cooking dinner, grocery shopping, or cleaning, there are all sorts of tasks that we do on a day-to-day basis. As your loved one ages, the simplest of tasks may feel like an impossible challenge. If your loved one is struggling to keep on top of the house or other daily tasks, it may be time to look into assisted living options.
It can be hard to see a loved one lose a portion of their independence. However, when it comes to keeping them safe and in good health, assisted living facilities have the expertise and knowledge to look after them.