When Is It Time to Consider Assisted Living?

It is not always easy to determine when an older adult might require assisted living. Aging isn't the same for all individuals and many seniors would like to stay in their home as long as they can. Family members may also be reluctant to discuss the issue with their loved one as they don't wish that person to feel they are losing their independence.

But, there may be a day when more support is needed to make daily life safer, easier and more comfortable. When you're aware of the signs early, you have time to consider your options without feeling pressured to make a hasty choice.

Challenges around the ability to manage daily activities.

A major red flag that may indicate a need for assisted living is simply when it becomes difficult to handle daily activities. They can involve bathing, dressing, grooming, cooking and feeding, taking medicine and/or doing household chores.

Having some difficulty doesn't mean it is time to move. If such difficulties are becoming more common or if family members must step in to assist on a regular basis, however, it might be time to think about if it could be helpful to have some extra support.

Assisted living can offer some support with your daily activities, and still let you make your own decisions regarding your daily life.

Medications that have not been taken or missed appointments.

It can get complicated to manage medications, especially if a person is taking multiple prescriptions at various times of the day. This can result in unnecessary risks when doses are missed, accidental double doses or confusion around medication.

One of the most common signs that could be observed by families is the loss of memory of appointments or trouble with essential tasks that are part of the daily routine by an older family member.

The changes don't necessarily require assisted living. But they can also be a conversation starter about how to make life easier, such as what supports could be in place.

Having difficulty creating healthy meals

As one gets older, cooking can be a bit more difficult. These may present as challenges to stand for extended periods of time, use kitchen items, or recall recipes.

However, for some elderly people, they may not make enough meals or even opt for easy-to-make meals due to the difficulty of having to cook and prepare a full meal.

When nutrition becomes a concern, assisted living can help to serve meals regularly, and allow the residents to enjoy meals in a social setting.

Patients are at greater risk of falling.There is a higher fall risk.

The risk of falls is a significant issue for older people. If a senior has fallen several times, has a problem walking, or is feeling unsteady when moving about the home, they may require more support.

Any changes in mobility and confidence should be checked by families. A person who was once able to walk around the house without any difficulty may start to avoid stairs, bathrooms, kitchens or out-of-the-house settings out of fear of falling.

Some common hazards can be lessened by a safer living environment and getting help.

The inability to follow the routine at home.Inability to maintain the routine at home.

Simple chores at home can get very exhausting. Cleaning, laundry, changing bed linens, taking out the trash and keeping a home can be physically taxing.

A messy house or a pile of household chores could be an indication that caring for the home has become overwhelming.

Some seniors may not be able to live on their own, but they may find it too cumbersome to run an entire household.

Increased Social Isolation

Social engagement is a key element of a healthy life. Older adults who reside alone may slowly become isolated, especially following the loss of a spouse, isolation from friends and a decreasing interest in the activities that were once meaningful to them.

Family members might find that their family member spends little time leaving home, is not doing any hobbies or has not had much in the way of social interaction.

Assisted living communities can offer residents the chance to eat meals together, engage in activities, go outdoors, and become friends. The presence of others can help make everyday life feel more connected.

Family Caring is Getting Tougher

In some cases, the decision for assisted living is made because the family caregivers are not able to manage the tasks on their own.

A family member, friend or family member may be assisting with meals, transport, medicines, personal care, shopping and housework. Family support is important but can be physically and emotionally stressful.

Pay attention to the individual's work, health, sleep or family life if they may need someone else to help them in the long-term.

Memory loss or trouble deciding things.

Memory changes are a normal part of aging; but if they are significant, they should not be neglected. Loss of memory to remember important things, confusion about familiar surroundings, leaving appliances on or financial trouble could indicate more serious problems.

Not all memory loss is a sign of memory care or assisted living. A health care professional can assist in identifying what may be contributing to the changes and what kinds of support are needed.

The Senior is no longer comfortable living alone.

The most important indicator is sometimes the senior's attitude.

An older adult may start to express a sense of loneliness, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed or feeling uncomfortable living alone. They may become afraid of falling asleep at night or just want someone to be around when they fall asleep.

It is important to be able to hear these concerns. The goal of assisted living should not be to take away independence. Rather, it can offer assistance that will keep the senior as independent as he possibly can be, but with the help there when it is required.

Introduce the subject early on.

There's no need to wait until a crisis to talk about assisted living. Early discussions allow everyone time to become familiar with options, understand the costs, visit communities, and consider what is important to the senior.

Wherever possible, the older person should be included in the decision. They should be included in the discussion of their likes/dislikes, habits, worries and plans for the future.

There is no specific age or time for everyone to enter into assisted living. Time is considered appropriate if a person is healthy, safe, has the support they need and desire, and has their daily needs met.

Early detection can help you to get through the transition process without a lot of stress for your family. Assisted living is not a deprivation of independence but an assist for the safety, comfort, social connection and quality of life of an older adult.