How to know if it’s time for assisted living

Moving out of your home and familiar surroundings to go to an assisted living facility can be a daunting and difficult decision. It is, however, the right move, if you start to notice these signs:

1. Struggling to manage daily activities and maintenance

While many elderly people are perfectly able to look after themselves, others get to a stage where managing activities of daily living starts to become increasingly difficult. This could include not cooking anymore, not eating properly, forgetting to take medication or neglecting personal hygiene, among other things. 

If you notice that your loved-one seems to be struggling to keep their home clean and well maintained, or that they are becoming overwhelmed by administrative tasks, this is a sign that they would benefit from living in an environment where much of that concern is removed.

2. Safety concerns

The World Health Organization reports that falls are the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths worldwide, and that each year an estimated 646 000 individuals die from falls globally. Adults older than 65 years of age suffer the greatest number of fatal falls, and 37.3 million falls that are severe enough to require medical attention occur each year. Being in an environment where carers can immediately assist with a fall makes all the difference and gives you and your loved ones the peace of mind that if anything happens, you are in safe and good hands. 

3. Isolation or loss of interest in activities

Increased isolation, reduced contact with friends and family, or a loss of interest in social activities, exercise or creative pursuits can also be warning signs. Isolation in particular can be a risk factor for early mortality, and can be exacerbated by a person’s difficulties with mobility, hearing or cognitive decline. It has been shown that older adults who regularly have the opportunity to socialise, take part in stimulating activities and who feel part of a community, experience better overall health. This is one of the considerable benefits of living in a senior living community, where programmes for exercise, social contact, crafts, hobbies and other activities are in place.

4. Carer stress

When a spouse, adult child or other carer is finding it impossible to meet the many needs of a senior without considerable stress to themselves, it is time to consider moving. While many caregivers and families make every effort to keep their loved-ones in familiar and comforting environments for as long as possible, many of the above factors can put undue stress on a single carer and would be better handled by a team of professionals. 

5. Signs of dementia

Each of the above, along with other factors, can contribute to or be caused by progressive dementia. There may be behaviour changes such as aggression, irritability or confusion. A person may become disoriented, forget things or even wander off and get lost. With older adults being at a greater risk for dementia (25% of people over age 80 suffer from some form of dementia), it is highly likely that some of these symptoms could point to dementia in a senior. In addition to getting a diagnosis, it is important to make sure that the person is placed in an environment where their needs can be fully met without compromising their quality of life.

Content by Auria Senior Living.

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