Elizabeth Meyer | Dec 11, 2014
One of the hardest decisions to make in life is when to suggest a transition to a senior living community to someone you love. While this can be an overwhelming and emotional process, it is often in the best interest for the health and safety of a loved one.
Although you may rather care for your loved one yourself, there are many benefits (to both the individual and the family and friends) to consider when allowing the compassionate staff of a senior living community to care for your loved one. Of course, all of the basic needs are met, such as meals and assistance, with dressing and bathing often available if needed. Two of the biggest benefits to senior living include security and having help on-hand if and when your loved one needs it most. Having the peace of mind that safety and care are left in good hands at all times is a true comfort.
It can be difficult to discuss senior living, and timing the conversation can play a big role in that transition. If you aren’t sure if the timing is right, these five signs can help guide your conversation and transition process when you start thinking about senior living.
Mobility
Many senior living communities also offer transportation amenities for residents, which help ease the stress and worry of driving.If your loved one requires assistance getting around within the home and when transported to-and-from doctor’s appointments, a senior living community may be a great option. Senior living communities have highly trained professionals available to assist residents in getting from Point A to Point B, even if it’s just from the bed to a wheelchair or walker. Assistance with mobility will help to reduce the likelihood of falls, which can be dangerous for seniors.
Overall Health
Deterioration of health that makes it difficult for your loved on to care for him or herself, or for you to care for them, is generally a good sign that it’s time to consider senior living. This is particularly true for older adults with serious health issues such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, diabetes, and for those older adults who suffer lasting effects from a heart attack or a stroke.
Senior communities can offer medication monitoring and administration to ensure it is taken at proper times and adequate dosages. Residing in a senior community can also ensure safety for any wandering or emergency situations that may arise.
Performance of Daily Living Tasks
If your loved one has a difficult time performing day-to-day tasks such as bathing, dressing, preparing meals, remembering to take medications, and more, it is likely time to consider senior living. In certain circumstances, these tasks can be remedied with in-home care, but if a senior meets the criteria of the first two signs above, a senior community can be comfortable and stress free.
Wandering, Confusion, and Agitation
Wandering and confusion are safety issues and should be addressed immediately. As heartbreaking as it can be to watch your loved one experience these, knowing that he or she is in a safe place can bring a great deal of peace of mind. If you’re unable to care for your loved one and he or she wanders, it’s time to consider senior living to keep your loved one safe. There are several Memory Care communities available that can ensure a comfortable, enjoyable life to be experienced by all.
Agitation can be a symptom of disorders such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, so if your loved one seems to become more agitated than usual, this also needs attention. Agitation could be a sign of further deterioration due to one of the disorders mentioned above and may be accompanied with wandering and confusion as well. Make note of situations or instances that have triggered extreme agitation for future medical reference.
Social Withdrawal
When considering socialization issues, you’ll want to consider how your loved one interacts with others, if they are making an effort to interact with others, and how often they leave the house if able to. If your loved one has lost many friends over the years who have passed away, or just seems lonely and sad, transitioning to senior living where there’s opportunities to engage with other adults their age could be just what he or she needs to become social again.
Assisted living communities offer gathering rooms where seniors can get together to socialize, enjoy activities, movies, games, and much more. Engaging in social interaction is considered to be life-saving for many of those suffering in silence with loneliness or depression.
If your loved one seems to meet any of the signs above, it’s time to consider the compassionate care of senior living. To get expert input on your individual case, talk to one of our friendly, patient Senior Care Advisors.
