6 Signs it May be Time to Consider Assisted Living

Many adults prefer to stay in their own home as they age, and that’s often a possibility. As long as they are physically and mentally able to safely live there, they can age in place. As they get older, an in-home care provider can provide the support and assistance they need to remain independent. However, there often comes a time when in-home care is not enough and seniors require more intensive care. When this is the case, it may be time to consider transitioning to an assisted living facility.

Here are six signs that it may be time to consider assisted living:

1. Your loved one can’t keep up with their home. Are there stacks of bills or dirty dishes laying around? Do they have trouble keeping up with laundry or taking the trash out? Their home may have become too much to manage and downsizing into an assisted living facility can be beneficial. Here they will have much less to keep track of and receive assistance as needed.

 

2. Your senior has difficulty with activities of daily living. Whether you notice that they haven’t bathed in a few days or are typically wearing the same clothes over again, changes in personal hygiene can be a sign that more help is needed. They may have difficulty brushing their teeth or hair, or working the washing machine.

3. Your loved one has memory problems. Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and memory loss can make caring for themselves more difficult. They may forget whether they’ve taken their medication, where they put their keys, or how to get to and from the store.

4. Your senior has become more accident prone. If mom or dad seems to be tripping and falling more often or has unexplained bruises, their home may not be as safe of a place anymore. Mobility issues can make navigating stairs or getting in and out of the shower more dangerous.

5. Your loved one has been losing or gaining weight. Is their refrigerator full of spoiled food, or have very little food at all? Meal preparation can be tough when vision, memory, or dexterity are compromised. Your senior may have forgotten they’ve already eaten or prepare unhealthy foods as well. Furthermore, if they’re forgetting to turn off the stove or oven, that can be a fire hazard.

6. Your senior is becoming more isolated. Did you parent used to spend time with friends or at the community center and now they hardly leave their home? Assisted living can help them to become more social once again and get involved in a variety of activities. They’ll be able to have more regular social interactions.

Assisted living can allow your loved one to maintain some of their independence while also receiving the level of support and care they need to stay safe and healthy. Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville not only provides in-home care services, but also offers complimentary assisted living placement services. When your senior is ready to make that transition, Always Best Care is here to help. Call (828) 989-7263 or visit us online for more information.