8 Signs that Your Loved One Needs to Move to an Assisted Living Facility

Assisted living is a facility for seniors who do not require extensive nursing care but do require assistance with medication and daily living tasks. They are unable to live on their own but require and desire privacy and some freedom. Assisted living facilities have staff available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offer private apartments with some small kitchen areas, though meals are provided with care if desired. Seniors can stay active and engaged by participating in social activities and using transportation services. Alzheimer’s patients will be cared for in a separate area designed specifically for their needs. Senior assisted living provides clear benefits that can help improve your loved one’s health and wellness as well as emotional well-being because of daily opportunities for dining, activity, and socialization. Both caregivers and their loved ones benefit greatly from senior living.

Now, the pressing question is when do you need to move a loved one into an assisted living community? There are useful tips for getting a parent to move to assisted living facilities that you can study and consider while this article zeroes on some strong indicators that it is time to move your loved one to assisted living:

1. Forgetting to Take Medicine

Even though seniors are the largest consumers of healthcare and medications, more than 55 percent of the elderly fail to follow medication instructions. Have you noticed that your loved one isn’t taking their medications on time? If so, inquire as to why. Is it a financial issue, or do they simply forget to take it? A Medicare supplemental insurance program may be beneficial if they are concerned about prescription costs. If they forget to take their medication, assisted living can help. The staff can ensure that they take the medication they require. Everyone forgets to take their medicine every now and then, but if your loved one does this frequently, it will quickly become a serious problem. There are systems to help them remember, but this is a clear indication that memory care is required.

2. Hygiene Problems

Changes in hygiene are a common symptom of memory loss or depression. If a previously tidy and well-dressed family member begins to wear soiled clothing or has an unpleasant body odor, it could indicate that they are unable to bathe or do laundry. When someone is no longer able to care for their basic needs, it is time to consider moving to an assisted living facility. These are signs that someone is having difficulty bathing, putting them at risk of infection and increasing the likelihood of mental and emotional decline. Problems with self-care or other activities of daily living (ADLs) are indicators that someone is not comfortable living alone.

3. Poor Eating Habits

Good nutrition is essential for maintaining mental and physical health. Moving to a long-term care facility will provide them with regular and nutritious meals prepared specifically for their needs. Nutrition becomes more important as we get older. Not only is good nutrition important for physical health, but it is also important for sleep health, immune strength, and cognitive functioning. Unfortunately, many seniors have difficulty meeting their nutritional needs due to ill health or physical limitations. Difficulties getting to the grocery store or cooking may indicate that your loved one is struggling to eat a healthy diet. They may benefit from living in a community where nutritious meals are prepared daily while it is also important that you research extensively on how to find the best assisted living homes for your loved one that is nearest to your home to ensure that your senior is getting the best care from trained practitioners.

4. Recent Fall

Falling is a common concern among the elderly. Seniors are more likely to fall than younger adults due to medication, vision changes, and decreased coordination. Unfortunately, older bodies are more vulnerable to injuries such as hip fractures and head trauma following a fall. These can take a long time to heal and have an impact on a senior’s ability to live independently. Having fallen at least once in the previous year clinging to furniture, people, or walls in order to get around having a dark or cluttered home. Seniors who are afraid of falling may be able to reduce their risk by moving to an assisted living facility. Accidents, including falls, are minimized in senior living environments.

5. Changes in Mood or Aggressive Behavior

Aggressive behavior may be associated with confusion and dementia, indicating that they should consider moving to an assisted living facility. These facilities and skilled nursing homes may have memory care units for people suffering from dementia. It is a sad reality that some dementia patients become more aggressive as the disease progresses. This is not a reflection of how they are being cared for, but rather a result of the disease’s devastating effects. Most people find it difficult to care for someone who is verbally or physically abusive. Aggressive people require a safe place to live with trained professionals who understand how to handle these situations.

6. Begins to Isolate Themselves

Is your loved one no longer involved in social activities that they used to enjoy? Do they stay at home for days on end? They may be afraid to drive or feel awkward attending social events that used to make them happy. A 2013 study of Swedish and Finnish residential care homes discovered that 55% of residents are lonely. People who isolate themselves aren’t always the ones you’d expect. While loneliness is a personal experience, social isolation is more tangible. Begin by searching for symptoms. Then you can delve deeper into day-to-day behavior. If a relative only interacts with loved ones, it will become clear very quickly. In some cases, a therapist can assist a family member in working through social withdrawal. An open discussion about why they spend so much time at home can help you get to the bottom of any issues that may indicate they should move into an assisted living facility. Family is important.

7. Gets Disoriented Outside of the Home

Have you noticed your loved one leaving the house without knowing where they’re going? Dementia is a condition that affects a person’s thinking, behavior, and ability to perform daily tasks, and is a common cause of disorientation. If the problem persists, consult with your loved one’s doctor. People with dementia often benefit from living in an assisted living facility with a memory care unit, which is designed to make their life safer and alleviate anxiety and confusion. When considering the well-being of your loved ones, making the decision to move them to a dementia assisted living facility in Winnipeg ensures specialized care and support tailored to their unique needs.

8. Week Immune System and Worsening Health Problems

People with a weak immune system are more likely to experience frequent infections and severe symptoms if their health is deteriorating. They may be more susceptible to pneumonia and other illnesses. It might be time to consider moving into an assisted living or nursing home. If they are taking longer to recover from illness or injury, this could be a sign of a weakened immune system, and they may require additional care soon. If you are concerned, you should consult with their doctor. Full-time care in an assisted living or skilled nursing facility may benefit their health. If you’re loved one is still alive and well, they should be involved in the decision.

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