As we age, choosing to move into assisted living can be very beneficial as these communities offer around the clock care, services, amenities, and activities to help improve an aging individual’s quality of life. Many aging adults want to continue living independently and caring for themselves. However, moving into assisted living will make life easier and allow your loved one to focus on the activities and hobbies they love without the extra responsibilities.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living communities offer amenities, organized activities, and facilities for your loved one to access 24/7. Any services provided will be tailored to their unique needs and comfort. Your loved one will have their own living space, and have the flexibility to socialize and interact with their neighbors as often as they want. Assisted living communities provide meals for residents, but they’ll also have the opportunity to cook for themselves. Below are a few other daily tasks your loved one will have assistance with in an assisted living community:
- Dressing
- Paying bills
- Bathing
- Continence
Tell-Tale Signs to Look Out For
At times it can be challenging to know what signs to look for that may signify it’s time to move into assisted living. Even though it may be a big change, it’s essential to check in with your loved one regularly and pay special attention to their overall well-being so the best decision can be made based on their unique needs.
Physical Health + Mobility
Assisted living communities provide services to help your loved one manage their physical health and mobility, so they stay in the best shape possible. It’s recommended to accompany them to doctor appointments, so you can be informed of any health conditions or medications that need monitoring. Continually checking in on your loved one’s physical state is also recommended, as any signs of frailty or lack of mobility likely means further assistance will be needed in the near future. Check-in with your loved ones to identify any signs of self-neglect. It’s essential to become familiar with these signs, so you can plan accordingly and take the initiative early on:
- Poor medication management
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Inadequate or rotten food
- Weight loss
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Unopened mail
Isolation
Assisted living communities have pre-arranged activities and amenities that your loved one can visit and participate in – either by themselves or with neighbors. If you notice your loved one isolating themselves or minimizing how often they participate in hobbies, social interactions, or leaving the house in general, it may be time to seek out an assisted living community. Isolation can affect an older adult’s overall health and may put them at risk for early mortality. Many health issues can be associated with isolation, such as:
- Depression
- Addiction
Battling isolation can also be associated with cognitive decline, chronic diseases, and dementia. At times aging adults may choose to isolate themselves intentionally, but this action still puts them at risk for numerous health issues, which can be detrimental in the long run.
Home Care
Assisted living communities offer housekeeping services for your loved one, meaning they’ll no longer have to worry about completing daily tasks and have more time for the activities and hobbies they love . Noticing that your loved one’s home is untidy or odorous can be a significant sign that they are no longer fit to live independently. Unfinished daily tasks can relate to a lack of physical ability to clean up after themselves, which can quickly result in not vacuuming or washing dishes. When visiting your loved one’s home, it’s essential to check in with their food items, refrigerator, lawn care, and the overall cleanliness of their home. If you notice excessive clutter, spoiled food items, an unkempt lawn, and more, it may be time to consider assisted living.
Safety Concerns
Most assisted living communities offer around the clock surveillance and assistance, so you can rest easy knowing your loved one is safe and cared for at all times. As an individual ages, potential safety concerns may arise, leading to the hesitation of leaving them home alone any longer. You may recognize your loved one having trouble navigating the stairs in their home or observe them becoming more accident-prone than in the past. It’s encouraged to observe your loved one and be aware of instances of forgetfulness or carelessness that is out of character. Falls can happen when we least expect it, and if you find yourself having safety concerns regarding your loved one, it’s likely time to look into assisted living to avoid an injury.
Daily Routine
Most assisted living communities have personnel on staff all hours of the day that will help your loved one effectively manage their daily routines. Everyone develops a daily routine throughout their lifespan. In doing so, we complete a variety of necessary tasks each day, including taking prescription medication, cooking meals, or caring for a family pet. A common sign of a loved one in your life needing further assistance is when these tasks partially or no longer get completed. Additionally, it’s essential to monitor how your loved one is paying bills and managing their finances. Aging parents are more susceptible to financial exploitation, meaning predatory lending, investment schemes, internet phishing, and more could be occurring. Being aware of their finances and even taking matters into your own hands could eliminate their risk of financial exploitation.
Explore Assisted Living Communities Near You
Whether you think it’s time to move your loved one into assisted living or recognize the time is approaching, we assure you everything will be okay. New Perspective offers a variety of communities, from independent and assisted living to memory care. It’s best to identify what type of care your loved one may need and keep an eye out for signs that it may be time to make the transition. Regardless, the team at New Perspective is here to guide and assist you every step of the way.