We all have to make tough decisions once in a while. If you are caring for an aging parent or loved one, how can you tell they are on a downward spiral and need round-the-clock care?
Before seeking senior housing from Senior Care Authority or other facilities, you need to keep an eye out for particular signs. Generally, some signs can be apparent, while others are subtle and easy to dismiss.
Establishing a shift in an aging parent’s behavior or capacity to take care of themselves can be a trying experience. Keep reading to learn about the signs that may indicate it’s time for your parent to transition to an assisted living facility.
- Difficulty Managing Their Medication
On average, a senior takes various medications daily. These normally include over-the-counter and prescribed meds, and neglecting to take such medication may seem innocent enough.
But, if an aging parent needs regular reminders to take their medication, you may need to consider moving them to an assisted living facility. Some telltale signs that they’re developing memory problems could include medication stockpiles in their homes, including expired ones. Before taking such a drastic measure when forgetfulness becomes a pressing concern, consider doing the following:
- Make the most of pill organizers.
- Use reminder services such as phone alarms.
- Manage medication with a pill dispenser for convenient access
- Consolidate medication if possible- talk to a physician to see if this is viable
Otherwise, frequent forgetfulness could indicate an underlying condition such as dementia or worsening health. Besides, failure to keep track of their meds could worsen their already deteriorating health. If that happens, their overall well-being could be at stake.
- A Change in Personality
Although changes are an inevitable part of being human, some changes may be a precursor to various issues. For instance, trouble could be brewing if a previously vibrant senior suddenly becomes isolated or loses interest in their hobbies. Also, a calm-and-collected old-timer who starts exhibiting aggressive or violent tendencies may need professional care or help.
Look out for changes in their mood, and pay closer attention to their well-being if you notice a sudden shift in their personality. Such shifts may be the initial signs of potentially serious ailments, and making an early switch to assisted living may be the way to go.
- Rising Number Of Mishaps
Seemingly minor accidents could lead to major issues. Unexplained bruises, burns, or cuts indicate that seniors need extra help, especially if they are evasive or can’t remember how such accidents occurred. What’s more, a rise in the number of falls puts a senior citizen at risk of serious injury or even death.
A senior who keeps falling may also develop fear and anxiety, making them spend less time on their feet. Consequently, their health is likely to deteriorate if they don’t stretch their limbs or engage in moderate exercise. Such falls or accidents should be a cause for concern, and assisted living would be a safe option to mitigate such risks.
- Sickness Becomes A New Normal
Our immune systems tend to weaken as we age, leading to rising incidences of sickness. As such, an elderly parent is more prone to contract a serious or recurring infection. If their health worsens and they can’t provide for themselves, they may require consistent care.
Assisted living can ease the burden of taking care of a loved one with chronic or repeated health concerns such as arthritis, hypertension, and heart problems. A facility with on-call medical staff can put your mind at ease by keeping your parent safe. Besides, the staff can monitor elderly patients to ensure they don’t skip or miss their medical dosage.
- Neglect Of Personal Hygiene
Good personal hygiene keeps us healthy and prevents the spread of diseases. If a senior citizen puts personal hygiene on the back burner, assisted living might offer a way out.
During your visits, check whether your aging parent wears clean clothes or brushes their teeth. If they seem to have difficulty doing so or grooming themselves, they may need help. An assisted living facility can tend to most of their personal needs while keeping them safe.
On a similar note, assisted living can help put together an easy-to-follow routine that allows your aging parent to remain independent. That way, they can stay healthy in a comfortable environment.
Eventually, moving aging parents to an assisted living facility can be the first step toward embracing change and promoting their well-being. These signs we’ve highlighted could help you make a sound decision that benefits them. By empowering their lifestyle and enabling them to age gracefully, you would be indirectly tending to their needs without missing out on meaningful moments with them.