Most seniors wish to remain independent for as long as possible. They enjoy the familiarity of their homes and the freedom to do what they want, when they want. For that reason, some will resist the move to an assisted living facility. But often, this move is what is best for them. How can you tell when it’s time?
1. They are having trouble completing the activities of daily living on their own.
The activities of daily living include such tasks as bathing, toileting, preparing and eating food, dressing and moving about safely. You may notice a decline in your loved one’s ability to do these tasks as they age. The decline could be slow, over a period of years, or quickly, following an event such as a heart attack or stroke.
It is often possible to get home care for seniors who need help with bathing, remembering to take meds and getting dressed. But eventually, their needs will become too great for a home health aide to meet, and it will be time to consider an assisted living home.
2. They have become increasingly forgetful.
Everyone forgets. It’s normal, especially under stress. But when forgetfulness becomes severe, it can endanger your loved one. This forgetfulness could be due to dementia, senility, Alzheimer’s disease or another cause.
If your loved one forgets their phone number, your birthday or if they got milk at the store, these incidents can be dealt with fairly easily. If they are forgetting where they live (getting lost), if they cannot recognize you and other relatives, or if they’re disoriented, irritable or not sleeping at night, it is probably time to think about senior assisted living.
3. They feel unhappy or unsafe at home.
While many seniors resist the move to assisted living, others welcome it with open arms. Because so many families in the U.S. are spread out across the country, there may be no one to look in on your loved one frequently.
Although they may be able to complete most of the ADLs, they may fear falling in their home. They may be afraid to for groceries because they are somewhat unsteady on their feet. The neighborhood they have lived in for so many years may have changed, leaving them feeling unsafe there.
For them, the prospect of moving to a residential care facility is a relief. They will have company again, and there will always be someone to help them if they fall, or even if they just need a hug. All their needs will be met and they will get three nourishing, home-cooked meals and served to them every day.
Folks like these can even show improvement after the move to assisted living apartments.
Family Tree Assisted Living Is Here for Your Loved One
If your loved one is showing signs that they cannot — or don’t want to — live independently anymore, make an appointment to visit Family Tree Assisted Living. Our trained, compassionate staff will sit down with you and go over everything you need to know about our facility and give you a full tour. We provide a safe haven for your loved one.