How Do You Know It's Time for Assisted Living?

March 24, 2021 / Senior Living Community
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A young woman and an elderly man sitting by the window. Learn how to tell when it's time for assisted living.

Being a caregiver can bring up a lot of difficult emotions. It can be challenging to realize your loved one has reached a stage in their life where they need assistance taking care of themselves, and difficult to decide how well you are able to care for them on your own.

When determining how to best care for an aging loved one, there are signs to watch out for that can help you decide that it’s time for an assisted living community.

When Is It Time for Assisted Living? 5 Signs to Watch For.

Falls
As we age, falling becomes an increasingly concerning health risk. Falling is especially worrying if a senior is living alone. Frequent falls, particularly if there's no one in the household to help them, can mean it's time for an assisted living.

Worsening Health Problems
Chronic or serious health issues can make it challenging for a senior and their family to provide adequate care on their own. Plus, the risk of having a medical emergency increases as we age. If your loved one's health has worsened recently assisted living or a nursing facility might help them enjoy better access to medical care.

Struggling with Activities of Daily Living
There are certain tasks that we do to take care of ourselves on a daily basis. This includes tasks that you may take for granted as part of your normal routine, including:

  • Taking medication regularly
  • Cooking and eating
  • Bathing regularly
  • Cleaning the house
  • Doing laundry

If you notice your loved one struggling with these tasks, assisted living can help with these activities of daily living, which can, in turn, help them maintain good nutrition and enjoy more time for social activities and hobbies.

 

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Managing Bills
Memory issues can make it harder for our aging relatives to manage their finances. If your loved one is having a difficult time remembering when, or how, to pay bills, it may be time to get some assistance.

If your aging loved one is struggling to manage their finances, assisted living could help alleviate their monetary stresses.

Isolation
According to the U.S. Census, 25.9% of people 65 years old and older live alone. Seniors living alone can suffer from a lack of social contact leading to feelings of isolation and poor mental health. Isolation can also lead to decreased participation in hobbies.

Assisted living communities provide social interaction and support, providing seniors with a sense of community and regular social activities to enjoy like art classes and events.

Caregiver Burnout
Being a full-time caregiver can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. There's no shame in admitting that you may no longer be able to provide adequate care for your loved one. If you're struggling to care for your loved one, you're not alone. According to AARP, nearly 40% of caregivers reporter their situation was highly emotionally stressful.

If you believe you're suffering from caregiver burnout, looking into respite care or assisted living might be the best option for both you and your loved one.

Is assisted living the right choice for your family? Reach out to a member of our team and we can help you go over your options and make the best decision for your loved one. 
Learn more about living in assisted living.

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