When is the right time to move to assisted living? That depends. If a loved one has experienced a sudden change in their health or if you’re unable to provide the support they need, the answer may be “as soon as possible.”
On the other hand, you may not be aware of subtle changes in your loved one’s health and ability to function on their own. They may even downplay difficulties for fear of losing control over their lives.
To help you determine when someone you care about is struggling to manage living on their own, look for the following signs:
- Housekeeping is slipping — Stained carpets, dusty shelves, piles of dirty laundry and overflowing trash bins are signs your loved one is struggling to keep up with household chores. If your neat-as-a-pin parent has let things slip, moving to assisted living could make life easier for them.
- Personal hygiene is lacking — If you notice changes in a loved one’s personal appearance, such as poor grooming, bathing or soiled clothing, it could signal difficulty maintaining proper hygiene. Mobility issues, for example, may make taking a bath or shower difficult and unsafe.
- Weight gain or loss — Significant weight changes are signs that’s something’s not right and needs attention. Empty shelves and expired food are also red flags. If cooking or getting to the grocery store has become a problem, a move to assisted living, where residents enjoy nutritious meals with friends, can boost your loved one’s health and happiness.
- Bruises and scrapes—Have you noticed any unexplained bruises or injuries? Does your loved one no longer feel safe going up and down stairs? If they’re unsteady on their feet, living on their own increases the risk of serious injury from falls. A fear of falling may also cause older adults to limit their activities and social life.
- Forgetting to take medications — Be on the lookout for unusual behavior, mood swings, or a recurrence of symptoms previously under control — all red flags of not taking medication as prescribed. See if there are overdue prescriptions, out-of-date medications or stockpiled pill bottles. These are also signs of struggling to manage medications. In assisted living, team members help residents as needed to ensure they receive and take their medications at the right time in the right dosage.
- Bills left unpaid — If mail is piling up on the counter or in the mailbox, take note. It could be a sign of memory loss or a change in vision. Check for overdue bills. And consider how assisted living eliminates this burden with one all-inclusive monthly fee.
- Unsafe driving habits — Do they drive too fast or slow for road conditions? Do they drift into the wrong lane? Are there unexplained scrapes on their car? If your loved one can no longer drive safely, a move to assisted living can give them renewed freedom with transportation provided for shopping, medical appointments, local attractions and more.
- Lack of interest in daily activities — If your loved one has stopped doing things they used to enjoy or going out to see friends, pay attention. Social isolation and loneliness increase the risk of depression and other health problems, including heart disease, stroke and dementia. With opportunities to enjoy a rich, active social life, assisted living makes it easy to connect with others and stay engaged.
Schedule a checkup to rule out a treatable medical condition.
If you notice any of the warning signs above, go with your family member to talk to their doctor. A medical evaluation may reveal a condition or medications causing a change in behavior. A doctor’s opinion may also carry more weight with your loved one when it comes to discussing assisted living.
Following the doctor’s visit, ask your loved one what they think. Make them feel part of the decision-making process. Research options for assisted living in your preferred location. And ask your parent or loved one to go with you when touring assisted living communities on your shortlist.
Orchard Inn at The Baldwin: An innovative, small-home model for assisted living.
The small-home model for assisted living and memory support at Orchard Inn is unique in southern New Hampshire. Four specialized households accommodate just ten residents each. The intimate size fosters connection and allows our dedicated team to get to know each resident on a personal level. Care plans are based on individual needs and preferences, and residents are empowered to manage their own schedules and make their own choices as much as possible. Located in the heart of our community with easy access to all amenities, Orchard Inn is a place to thrive.
Orchard Inn is here to help. To speak with a member of our team or to schedule a personal tour, please use our contact form or call 603.699.0100.