Have you started noticing little changes in your loved one’s daily routines or behavior? Sometimes, even those subtle age-related shifts can add up over time and leave you wondering if home is still the safest place for them.
Mainly, signs it might be time for assisted living revolve around a person’s difficulties with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and eating. Beyond that, though, living safely at home depends on a wider range of abilities such as cooking, managing finances, maintaining a social life, and keeping up with chores.
The following common signs can be gentle signals that more consistent care could help your loved one stay safer, more comfortable, and more connected. Here are 11 of the most common signs families notice when it may be time for assisted living.
1. Poor medication management
Forgetting to take prescriptions or taking too much of a dose can lead to worsening health conditions or health complications. At Provision Living assisted living communities, our team members can provide medication reminders, so residents are taking the right meds at the right times in the right way.
2. Mobility issues
Frequent falls or stumbles and trouble climbing the stairs can indicate declining balance, strength, or mobility, while fear of falling can limit your loved one’s confidence and independence. At a community like Provision, our carefully designed buildings and supportive settings make sure your loved one can access help when needed.
3. Increased isolation
If your loved one isn’t socializing like they used to or spends most of their day alone, it may mean they’re struggling with loneliness and isolation, which can detract from health outcomes. Assisted living encourages residents to build relationships and take advantage of the many opportunities to connect and engage.
4. Difficulty managing meals
If your loved one is skipping meals or eating poorly, it may mean meal prep has become too much to manage. With Provision assisted living, residents enjoy balanced, chef-prepared meals every day.
5. Declining personal care
Changes in grooming or hygiene, wearing the same clothes repeatedly, or wearing dirty clothes can all be signs that your loved one is having trouble with self-care and extra support is needed.
6. Unfinished household tasks
Stacks of unopened mail, spoiled food, fall hazards and clutter, or neglected chores could indicate it’s time for a move to an assisted living community that offers an easier lifestyle that requires less upkeep.
7. Memory lapses
Increasing confusion and memory lapses may mean your loved one is ready for a more structured environment, whether that’s the maintenance-free lifestyle that comes with assisted living or transitioning to a designated memory care community.
8. Changes in mood or personality
If you’re noticing that your loved one is becoming more irritable or depressed, an assisted living community may provide the emotional support they require.
9. Poorly managed finances
Missed bill payments, insurance issues, or credit card debt are all evidence your loved one is having difficulty managing finances. Senior living like Provision can help your loved one simplify life by reducing their daily responsibilities.
10. Caregiver burnout
When family caregivers are exhausted or overwhelmed, it’s often a sign that more professional support is needed, whether that’s transitioning your loved one to assisted living or engaging a community or home care company for respite care so you can take a much-needed break.
11. Safety concerns at home
Whether it’s leaving the stove on or trouble with stairs, small hazards can become serious risks for older adults. Provision or other assisted living communities like it offer peace of mind with 24/7 support from trained care professionals.
Starting the assisted living conversation
If you’re considering assisted living for your loved one, having low-pressure one-on-one conversations can be a good way to introduce them to the idea. Be sure to listen to their concerns with compassion and emphasize the benefits of making a change.
When it comes to these common symptoms mentioned above, try not to overreact to isolated incidents; instead, look for patterns over time. At some point during the decision process, you might also ask your loved one to take this quiz which can help evaluate their readiness for assisted living.
Explore assisted living at Provision
Assisted living communities can help older adults enjoy freedom from the worries of daily tasks, leaving them with more energy to spend on what they love. Assisted living at Provision offers personalized care plans tailored to each resident designed to enhance their quality of life so they can enjoy their daily activities and interactions within the community. For more information about assisted living at Provision, download our new Assisted Living Guideto help you as you consider your next steps.
Looking to learn more about us? Reach out and speak with one of our helpful community advisors. And if you’re ready to see one of our Provision communities up close, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit today! We look forward to meeting you.
