While most seniors hope to age at home, many family members find that a day comes when it is no longer safe for their loved one to continue living on their own. Unfortunately, recognizing when that moment has arrived is difficult—and often met with some resistance. To help you determine when the time is right to transition your loved one to a senior living community, here are a few signs to look for.
Declining personal hygiene
As you spend time with your aging parent, observe their appearance. Are they able to carry out their activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and using the toilet? Forgetting to brush their hair and teeth or skipping showers is a sign that your loved one needs extra support with their daily tasks. Whether they no longer have the motivation to maintain their appearance or they are physically having issues getting in and out of the shower, poor hygiene is a good clue that your senior needs assistance.
Neglecting housework
With aging, a lot of typical household chores become challenging. If you notice a sink full of dirty dishes that is attracting bugs, a week’s worth of unwashed clothes or an out-of-control yard that needs mowed – those are signs that basic home maintenance is beyond your loved one’s abilities.
Socially isolated or withdrawn
Staying connected with other people is important—no matter what your age. But if your loved one has become increasingly withdrawn, they are giving up on hobbies or they begin ignoring or forgetting about social groups, it’s a good sign they need some extra support. A lack of enthusiasm for things or people they once enjoyed could be a sign of depression and declining physical health.
Mobility issues and frequent falls
Getting older often means changes in a senior’s balance and vision, which in turn impacts mobility. When you visit, take time to observe their mobility. Are they struggling to sit or stand? Are they unsteady on their feet? Have they fallen lately? If your senior loved one is having difficulty moving around the house, that’s a red flag for a serious fall or injury.
Unexplained weight loss
A dramatic or sudden loss of weight in your loved one can be a warning sign that they are having trouble taking care of themselves. It takes a lot of work and energy to buy groceries and prepare meals. Pay attention to your loved one’s eating habits as weight loss may be a clue they are failing to feed themselves adequately.
Forgetfulness
We all forget meeting or tasks from time to time. But when you start to notice piles of unopened mail in your loved one’s home, it can be a sign of growing cognitive impairment. Similarly, if your loved one is forgetting doctor’s appointments regularly missing their medications, then it is time to consider getting extra support.
Compassionate Care and Assistance at Country Place Senior Living
It’s never easy starting the conversation with your older loved one about moving from their family home. But if your parent needs more support and care than you can provide, a senior living community is a great option. Senior living communities, like Country Place Senior Living, offer more freedom, more ways to be active and healthy and more opportunities for leading a life of purpose and enjoyment. We prioritize good health by offering varying levels of personalized support, ensuring your parent or loved one can live life to their fullest while receiving the care and assistance they need.
To learn more, schedule your tour today!
