Assisted living is something most people will need at some point in their journey into old age. It is designed to allow seniors to live as independently as possible within their individual capabilities, while also providing help with things they may no longer be able to do for themselves, like cooking, hygiene, and medication management. Most assisted living facilities also focus on ensuring seniors have access to a fulfilling social life and entertainment.
Making the decision that it is time to move an elderly loved one from their own home or from staying with you can be difficult. However, there are some signs that no matter how good you are as a caregiver, the senior in question needs the extra support of an assisted living environment.
A Decline in Physical Health
If someone is experiencing regular falls, has serious mobility issues, or takes a long time to recover from illness or injury, then it is a good sign they should be in a place where trained professionals can help them 24/7. Someone who is becoming increasingly frail will also benefit from being in an environment designed for people who may have mobility issues, with accessibility features most homes won’t typically have.
Signs of Dementia
If your loved one often seems confused or sometimes becomes aggressive, these can be signs of dementia. People with dementia are not generally capable of managing things like when to take medication, their personal hygiene, eating properly, or their finances. Assisted living will ensure this is all taken care of for them, reducing their frustration and the strain on your family.
Isolation
If an elderly person spends most of their time alone, other than when their caregiver is there, this can be negative for two reasons. Like anybody else, elderly people benefit from socializing, and this can have a positive impact on their mental health, but equally, it may take too long for someone to reach them if they have an accident or health crisis, even with personal alarms. At assisted living facilities like this assisted living Beverly Trumbull, residents get plenty of chances to socialize and have events and activities organized to keep them active.
The Family Can no Longer Offer the Right Care
Sometimes, no matter how much you love your elderly relative, taking on the role of carer can simply become too much to cope with. This is especially the case if you are trying to balance work and other family members. As someone’s needs become greater as aging progresses, you may have to face the reality that you can no longer offer the best care to keep them safe and well. Assisted living will give you the peace of mind they are being well looked after, and the opportunity to visit as much as you like.
If you are starting to see these signs, it may be time to start looking into assisted living. With the right facility, you and your loved one could well be very happy after the initial transition.
