Whether it’s through injury, illness, or simply the natural course of aging, there will probably come a time when seniors will need help with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). ADLs refer to such tasks as bathing, grooming, meal prep, and housekeeping – things seniors have done for themselves for decades but now have difficulty completing. The challenges are compounded if the person has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Assisted living communities or memory care (specially designed for people with declining cognitive conditions) provide viable solutions for quality elder care. However, how will you know when it’s time for your loved one to make the transition?
Here are 12 signs that a move to assisted living or memory care would be a wise move:
Care needs are more than loved ones can provide
Many families don’t have the training or resources to support a loved one who’s declining in health, mobility, and mental acuity. The skilled healthcare professionals in assisted living provide optimal elder care, ensuring that your loved one is comfortable and well looked after at all times.
Medications aren’t being taken properly
It’s dangerous when someone can’t keep track of when they take medicine. Medication management services are available in assisted living to ensure residents always take the correct doses at the right times, bringing peace of mind to families.
Daily tasks have become overwhelming
ADLs can be complicated or stressful for older adults as they age or are ailing. Assisted living offers help with bathing, grooming, housekeeping, and more, helping the residents stay comfortable in clean living conditions, and protecting them against various ailments.
The senior has become isolated
Sometimes, and especially if they live alone, older adults stop taking part in social activities. Illness or mobility challenges can prevent them from getting out or participating in activities they enjoy, potentially leading to loneliness and depression. Assisted Living communities offer ample socialization opportunities right outside the residents’ front door with movie nights, fitness classes, game nights, and more.
The senior’s behavior has become aggressive
Older people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can sometimes behave violently or aggressively, putting themselves and others at risk of injury. The staff in memory care is trained to de-escalate situations with empathy and support, keeping everyone safe.
The senior is not eating nutritious meals
Some older people have mobility issues or lack the energy or motivation to shop for and cook healthy food, instead opting for less nutritional selections. Assisted living communities give residents access to a diverse menu of fresh, healthy meals customizable to their personal needs, tastes, or dietary requirements.
The senior’s hygiene standards have dropped
Older people might neglect to bathe, brush their teeth, or wash their hair due to physical limitations or forgetfulness. It is often uncomfortable for family members to help in these areas, so transitioning to assisted living, where assistance with all aspects of personal hygiene is available, may be the best move.
Wandering has become an issue
Wandering is a common and dangerous occurrence among people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Sneaking out of the house unaccompanied puts the older adult at considerable risk of becoming lost or injured. Memory care communities feature enhanced security features that ensure residents are safe and accounted for at all times.
The senior is frequently hospitalized
If your older loved one is frequently in and out of the hospital, they may require 24-hour care by trained professionals to keep them safe. Assisted Living communities can provide this level of medical support, eliminating the physical and emotional toll that repeated hospitalizations can take on the entire family.
Caregiving impacts loved ones’ mental and physical health
It’s wonderful for families to take on care duties for an elderly loved one. However, caregiving duties often leave family members exhausted, depressed, and disconnected from family, friends, and activities they enjoy. At this point, it’s time to consider transitioning the senior to assisted living. Loved ones can still visit and participate in their care plan while focusing on your own mental and physical health needs.
In-home care has become too expensive
Many families hire in-home eldercare professionals to support their elderly loved ones. However, as the person ages, their care needs will increase, creating additional costs. When in-home care becomes too expensive, compare the prices of keeping the older person at home with placing them in an assisted living or memory care community. In many cases, assisted living is less expensive than in-home caregiving with the additional benefit of increased socialization.
Their doctor recommends a move to assisted living
Your loved one’s primary care physician will provide valued 3rd-party insight and advice which will help you make an informed choice about assisted living. Also, your older relative will likely be more receptive to the prospect of moving if their doctor thinks the transition is a good idea.
When you’re in one or more of the above scenarios, transitioning to assisted living or memory care is a wise move for your entire family. Always remember that a senior living advisor is just a phone call away to make choosing the best-fit senior community easier.
Find Assisted Living or Memory Care in the Nashville Metro area and Middle Tennessee
Finding the best senior living community for you or your elderly loved one can be exhausting, confusing, and discouraging. That’s why many families rely on the expert guidance, exhaustive research, and trusted partnership of a local Senior Living Advisor to help make the process easy.
When your family is exploring independent senior living, assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing options in the Nashville Metro area or Middle Tennessee, contact Tim Tuttle of Assisted Living Locators at 615-375-3553 or timt@assistedlivinglocators.com. Tim and his team will do everything they can to help you make the most informed choice on where your older loved ones will live during their vintage years.
Get in touch today. We’re always happy to help!
