Category Archives: Senior Care

Sometimes, the best way to keep a senior loved one safe and healthy is to find them a comfortable home in assisted living. But timing a move into assisted living is never easy. This is an extremely personal transition, and seniors can have widely different reactions to the idea of leaving the family home and accepting care from strangers.

  

The ideal time to start thinking about assisted living is before this level of care becomes a necessity. If you’re concerned about your loved one, look out for the following behavioral and emotional signs that it may be time for assisted living.

 

Emotional Changes

Emotional changes are common in people who are beginning to develop dementia, but they can also signal other forms of mental illness like depression. Learn how to assess your senior loved one’s mental health, and watch out for mood changes that may indicate a serious problem, including consistent sadness, fatigue, and loss of interest in activities they previously loved. They may even exhibit frustration, agitation, or aggression, which can be stressful or heartbreaking for family caregivers. If you notice these issues, talk to your loved one’s doctor about whether there’s a physical health problem, and don’t discount the possibility that their medications may be causing these mood changes as prescription drug misuse and abuse is a major problem among seniors. 

 

Neglection of Personal Care or House Upkeep

Is your senior loved one still maintaining their home? Signs that your loved one may be neglecting the upkeep of their home include lots of clutter, dusty surfaces, bathroom grime, broken appliances, spoiled groceries, an overgrown yard, and houseplants that are dead or dying. The activities of daily living can become challenging for seniors, especially if they suffer from forgetfulness or mobility limitations. So, it’s also important to check if your senior loved one is tending to their personal care and hygiene needs. Are they taking their medications at the right times? Eating well? Bathing and dressing properly? If your loved one cannot perform these tasks on their own, assisted living may be a necessity.

 

The Need for Frequent Medical Care 

Worsening chronic health conditions or the development of new physical issues often means more trips to the doctor’s office. Seniors who need frequent medical care can benefit from full-time care in an assisted living facility. If your senior takes longer to recover from sickness or injury than expected, they may be suffering from a weakened immune system which can also indicate a need for more intensive care. Full-time care will help slow the progress of chronic illness, prevent complications, and keep your loved one as comfortable as possible.

 

Accidents or Close Calls

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Isolation and Loneliness

There are also many social signals that may suggest a move into assisted living would benefit your loved one. Signs that your loved one is suffering from isolation or loneliness should not be ignored. Do they go days without leaving the house or entertaining visitors? Have they stopped participating in social hobbies? If you notice these issues, talk to your loved one and find out what has changed. You may learn that they’re worried about driving or physically unable to participate in the group activities they once enjoyed. This information could help convince them that assisted living would be beneficial. Assisted living provides an excellent opportunity to socialize and develop friendships through meal sharing, group activities, and simply living close to others.  

 

Caregiver Burnout

Finally, pay attention to your own health and mental well-being. Are you still able to handle all of the tasks and responsibilities of being a caregiver to your loved one? According to Verywell Health, caring for a senior with dementia can be particularly challenging and is often more than a family caregiver can handle. Some signs of caregiver burnout to watch out for include growing impatience, declining physical health, mental health issues like depression or anxiety, and feelings of irritation, anger, or guilt. If you’re suffering from caregiver burnout, moving your loved one into assisted living might be best for everyone.

 

Having Productive Conversations About Assisted Living

When you determine that it’s time to find an alternative care solution for your senior loved one, you’ll have to have some tough conversations. Try not to put this off. It’s important to make plans for assisted living before an emergency occurs or your senior is no longer able to participate in these decisions. As you talk with your loved one, be patient and listen to everything they have to say. Avoid dismissing their anxieties. Instead, validate their concerns by being understanding and working with them to resolve any barriers that may prevent them from enjoying a successful transition into assisted living.

When it comes time to pick out an assisted living facility, be sure to get your loved one involved in the decision. They’ll have a much easier time adjusting to the transition if they feel some sense of control over this major change. Ask your loved one if there are specific amenities or services they would like to have in their new home, such as fitness programs, educational classes, and off-site trips. Once you both have an idea of what you’re looking for in terms of features and budget, use online search tools to find assisted living facilities that match your criteria.

 

Moving into assisted living is one of the biggest life changes that you can face in your senior years. Try to be mindful of how you would feel in your loved one’s situation. It’s not easy to accept that you need help! Be sensitive and gentle with your loved one, and do everything you can to provide support and ease their transition.

Article written by Lydia Chan