When is the right time to move into assisted living?
We hear this question all the time from our clients. Sadly, there isn’t one answer to this question. Each person, family, and situation is different. Some people are able to stay in their home and avoid assisted living facilities all together. For those that need it as an open option, here are some clues that might help you know when an assisted living facility would be a smart move.
Loneliness
Loneliness and isolation don’t just wear on a person emotionally. They take their toll mentally and physically, too. If your parent is lonely, moving may help their mental health. Some aging adults just can’t stand to be alone and often can’t admit that. Did a spouse recently pass? Have you noticed a huge attitude change? Being in a community of aging adults can be uplifting for so many individuals.
Dirty House
Has the house been clean or filthy during your visits? Is laundry in the basement with dangerous stairs to maneuver? Is maintenance of the house itself starting to be bothersome? Outside yard work? This could be a clue that it’s time to start thinking about other options that include somebody else doing all of the dirty work for once.
Inadequate Meals
While appetites change over time, elderly parents still need healthy eating patterns. If you notice food is never being used or, vice versa, that the week’s groceries you bought yesterday are all gone today, it’s possible your parent is forgetting to eat—or forgetting that she already ate three times in the last hour. Assisted living facilities serve wholesome meals so you’ll know your parent is getting the proper nutrition they need to stay healthy and strong.
Medication Management
Medicine can be confusing! Knowing what to take, when, and with what can be overwhelming, especially if there are several prescriptions. If your aging loved one can’t follow the doctor’s orders, it may be time to let somebody else handle the medication management. Assisted living facilities all offer this as an option.
Risk of Falling
Has your parent fallen at home? More than once? If their living situation isn’t made for walkers or wheelchairs, and your parent is tripping and falling, it could mean that it’s time to look at a safer environment.
Dementia
If you start to notice any sign of dementia, it may be time to look at an alternative living environment for your parent. Dementia almost never improves, so waiting until there is a crisis situation isn’t something you want to do. Finding that your loved one left the stove on and forgot about it is something you never want to experience.
Be Proactive
Being proactive is always a good idea. There has never been anything wrong with planning ahead in order to understand what the future holds. Doing so will always put you in a better spot once that emergency happens. If any of the situations above sound familiar, as a first step, we invite you to schedule a free consultation to get answers and alleviate the burdens of difficult decision-making and caregiving. Our highly skilled team of care management professionals will provide your family with all the direction needed so you can fully understand your choices. Call (262) 670-8888 to schedule a consultation.