Times of transition are never easy, especially when they involve losing an element of independence or moving home. Sometimes, living alone is no longer an option.
It’s a sad reality that many seniors will not be keen to face, but as a caregiver, you may need to consider whether the benefits and support of assisted living outweigh the comfort they feel from staying at home.
So, how do you know if it’s time to move your loved one into assisted living? This article will walk you through some of the most obvious signs and how to approach the conversation with strength and compassion.
1. Memory Issues
As we age, it’s common to become forgetful. However, if your loved one forgets important information more frequently or they forget to take their medication, this is a sign that it may be time to move to assisted living.
Forgetting to take medication can have a detrimental effect on the health and wellbeing of your loved one, and a medicinal regimen must be followed to keep them healthy.
Although there are systems you can use to help them remember, moving to assisted living may be best for their health and well-being if these prove futile.
2. Struggling With Daily Activities
Is your loved one finding the simplest of daily tasks overwhelming? This could be anything from cleaning the house and washing to cooking and doing their favorite hobbies.
As these tasks fail to get done and the workload increases, your loved one may start to feel completely overwhelmed with life. Not only can this struggle affect their physical health, but it can take a toll on their happiness, too.
If you’ve noticed your loved one struggling to keep on top of their daily tasks, it may be time to offer them a chance to relax and enjoy their final years in the comfort of assisted living.
3. Chronic Health Issues
As we age, our health deteriorates. Existing chronic health issues can inevitably worsen and weaken the immune system, meaning your loved one is more likely to stay ill for longer. They may also become more susceptible to infections and more intense bouts of illness.
If your loved one’s health issues have deteriorated to the point of needing round-the-clock care, moving them into assisted living may be the best thing you can do for the both of you.
Assisted living facilities will be equipped to support their medical needs, and with trained staff and nurses to hand, you won’t have to worry about what might happen if they fall ill on their own.
4. Poor Hygiene
Poor hygiene is one of the most obvious signs that your loved one needs extra care and support. This is also one of the first elements of independence to go when an elderly patient is struggling with their mental health or if they have onset dementia.
If it’s become obvious that your loved one is struggling to bathe or do their laundry regularly, they may need extra support to maintain their independence. Moving into assisted living may be the most appropriate option.
5. Struggling To Eat Regularly
Good nutrition is essential for a healthy body and mind. If your loved one is struggling to cook or not eating nutritious, balanced meals regularly, their physical and mental health may be at serious risk.
If you move your loved one into an assisted living facility, they’ll be provided with healthy, nutritious meals.
Each one can be prepared with their preferences in mind, and they’ll be more likely to eat if they know they don’t have to contend with the stress of cooking or doing the dishes.
Is It Time To Move Into Assisted Living?
Not sure whether your loved one would benefit from moving into assisted living? Here are some more questions you can ask yourself.
- If they’re still driving, are they doing it safely?
- Are they prone to wandering off on their own?
- Do they still perform activities and hobbies they enjoy?
- Do they have an emergency care plan in place just in case?
- Are they able to pay their bills on time?
- Can they use household appliances safely?
- Do they need home modifications such as emergency alert systems?
- Can they get out on their own safely and independently?
- Are you noticing unexplained bruises or minor injuries that may suggest a lack of coordination or more frequent falls?
- Is their yard or house as clean and tidy as it used to be?
How To Tell A Loved One They Need Assisted Living
Telling your loved one they need assisted living is a delicate conversation. All parties should be allowed to discuss their concerns and anxieties freely.
Before you start the conversation, do your research. Make a list of assisted living facilities that would suit their needs and are within their budget. They may feel overwhelmed with options, so show them that you’re here to help.
Most importantly, present their options with positive language. Avoid phrases such as ‘facility’ – instead, refer to assisted living as a community-style living situation.
Highlight opportunities to socialize, do fun activities, and the benefits of having their meals prepped. Your loved one may be concerned about losing their independence. Be sure to stress that they’ll still get their own space, but help is on hand ‘if’ they need it.
Lastly, frame this conversation as an evolving process. Not all decisions have to be made on the spot. If your loved one feels pressured, they’ll be less likely to engage.
Have this conversation in a comfortable, casual location, and stress that there’s no pressure for them to make a decision here and now.
The Bottom Line
Considering a move to assisted living is never easy. It’ll be tough for you and tough for your loved one.
However, if you’re noticing clear signs that they’re struggling to cope with daily life or you’re feeling overwhelmed by caring for them, assisted living may be the best option for you and your family.