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.

Tips for Transitioning From Home to Assisted Living

There can be many reasons why your elderly parent could benefit from assisted living in Hendersonville. Perhaps their health is declining and they are no longer able to live as independently or maybe they simply need some extra assistance. While families have the best interest of their loved ones in mind, it can be a sensitive subject to bring up. Many seniors want to age in place as long as possible. If you have gotten them in-home care and find that they still need more support, assisted living can be a good step when a nursing home is not yet appropriate.

Talk to your aging parent ahead of time about moving to an assisted living facility rather than springing it upon them. Discuss your concern for their wellbeing and how the move can benefit them and their safety. Reassure them that they will still maintain as much independence as possible. Let them help look at facilities to find one that they feel comfortable with.

Bring familiar items so it feels more like home. They will not be able to bring everything they own, but pick some of their favorite things. Pictures, knick-knacks, and mementos can brighten their day and give them something to talk about with others as they make new friends.

Meet with staff to familiarize yourself with care providers. Stay with your loved one for a while to help them adjust and start building connections. It is a new situation so it is common for them to be slightly resistant until they get used to their surroundings.

Arrange a schedule for visits and calls so they have something to look forward to. Give them some space to acquaint themselves with their new home and make friends. But also be available to provide reassurance and let them know you care. Regular visits or calls can help your aging parent to feel connected and see friends and family and also fill you in on how their days have been.

Find ways for them to get involved and stay active. Look into activities offered at the facility or nearby in the community. This could include exercise classes, hobbies, social groups, or events. Allow them to continue doing things that they enjoy and keep their mind sharp. Socialization is important to reduce boredom and isolation which can lead to depression.

Sometimes remaining at home just isn’t practical or safe and your senior needs more support and personalized care. Always Best Care Senior Services of Asheville-Hendersonville not only offers high quality in-home care, but also free referral services when your senior is ready for assisted living. Help them to find a community they feel comfortable with and take steps to ease the transition to this next phase of their life.

To learn more about our valuable in-home care services as well as referrals for assisted living, call (828) 989-7263 or visit www.alwaysbestcareWNC.com. Provide your senior with the support they need to live more safely and independently.

Common Causes of Falls and How to Prevent Them

A major safety concern for many Hendersonville seniors is falling. Falls can lead to serious injury which can take time to heal. While some people believe that falling is a natural part of getting older, there are several underlying causes that contribute to risk.

• Poor vision: Not being able to see clearly can mean tripping over objects, misjudging distance, or having difficulty adjusting to bright or dark settings.
• Balance problems: Weak muscles, arthritis, injury, and medication are just a few factors that can leave seniors unsteady on their feet. Even a slight jarring can be more difficult to recover from and maintain balance.
• Medical conditions: Older adults who have trouble with blood pressure, decreased sensitivity in extremities, or confusion may find that they fall more frequently. Their body is not able to respond to changes in position or obstacles as well.

Fortunately there are many ways in which loved ones can help to keep older adults in Asheville safer and reduce risk of falling.

• Wear slip-resistant socks or shoes: This can improve traction and reduce slipping on certain surfaces. Also make sure that the edges of rugs or carpeting are securely fastened so they don’t move out of place unexpectedly or roll up.
•  Install grab bars: Placing grab bars in the bathroom can make transition from the shower or toilet a safer process. Seniors have something sturdy to hold on to and to get up and down. Making sure that there are railings along all stairwells can help as well.
•  Improve lighting: Use higher wattage bulbs when possible and install motion sensors in hallways to improve nighttime navigation. Add additional lights to naturally dark areas or commonly used spaces.
• Keep paths free of clutter: Ensure that walkways are wide enough to comfortably walk through and there are no obstacles on the ground or blocking the way. Secure cords out of the way to prevent tripping. Organize rooms to improve flow and make commonly used items more easily accessible.
• Use assistive devices: If balance or stability is an issue, look into the possibility of a cane or walker. Make sure your senior knows how to properly use it to support their walking and navigate around. Also get regular vision screenings so that glasses prescriptions are current and providing the most benefit.
• Exercise: Strengthening muscles and improving flexibility can reduce the risk of falls. It can help seniors to maintain their balance and control. It can also help them to feel more confident in their mobility.

If your senior has chosen to age in place and lives independently, it can become even more important to be proactive about fall prevention. It can give you peace of mind to know that they are safer and their home meets their needs. If they are relatively independent but could use some assistance, consider the benefits elder care services could provide your Hendersonville loved one. You can decide the level and amount of care that they need and know that someone else is watching out for their wellbeing.

To learn more about elder care through Always Best Care Senior Services of Asheville-Hendersonville and how we can support your elderly parent in their independence and daily activities, call (828) 989-7263 or visit www.alwaysbestcareWNC.com.