5 Signs It’s Time For Assisted Living
Whether you’re an elderly person living in a retirement community or an adult child taking care of a parent, the topic of assisted living is likely to come up eventually. It’s something that many people don’t want to talk about, but it’s also important that you do. If your loved one needs help with everyday tasks and activities—taking medication, walking around their home, preparing meals—they may be ready for an assisted living facility.
So, when is it time for assisted living? Here are five signs that you or a loved one may be ready to consider an assisted living facility.
1. You struggle to keep up with your home.
If you’re struggling to keep up with your home, it may be time to consider assisted living.
Assisted living is a housing option for seniors who need help with daily activities, such as yard work and housekeeping. Assisted living facilities are similar to nursing homes in that they provide medical care and supervision if needed. The difference is that assisted living residents have more freedom than nursing home residents do—they live in their own apartments or townhomes and can choose who comes into their space.
2. You need medical care.
If you need help with daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, and eating, or if your health is deteriorating and you need more medical care than can be provided by your family or friends, it may be time for assisted living.
Assisted living facilities provide a personal touch to make sure residents are taken care of in their later years. In addition to providing assistance with daily tasks and medical needs, assisted living facilities also offer socialization opportunities and transportation services so residents can participate in community events or go on outings.
3. Your spouse recently passed away.
When a person’s spouse passes away, it can be an emotional and stressful time for them. It’s not uncommon for older adults to struggle with their emotions and feelings of loss. But what are the physical effects of losing a spouse?
There are many ways that the loss of a spouse can impact the health of an elderly person, but one of the most common is difficulty with daily tasks. When a wife or husband passes away, it can leave their partner helpless in terms of handling household chores and responsibilities. Without help from someone else in the home, these daily tasks may seem insurmountable—or even impossible.
If you’re caring for an elderly loved one who has recently lost their spouse, you might notice some changes in their behavior or personality. You might see that they’re having trouble getting out of bed in the morning, or they might seem depressed or unhappy. If this is happening, it may be time to consider assisted living options for your loved ones so they can continue living independently while receiving assistance with daily tasks like cleaning and cooking meals.
4. You want your independence but also need some help.
Assisted living can be a great choice for seniors who need extra help with day-to-day tasks but still want to maintain their independence. Here are some of the main benefits of assisted living:
- Help with daily tasks, such as cooking and cleaning
- The ability to move around freely without restriction
- Access to 24/7 medical care for when you need it most
- A social environment where you can make friends and enjoy activities
5. Your social life has declined because it’s hard to get out of the house.
There are a variety of reasons why it might be hard for an elderly person to get out of the house, but if you’re having trouble doing these things on a regular basis, it’s time to consider assisted living.
- Socializing with friends and family. If you’re struggling to get out and see people in your community, assisted living may be a good option.
- Transportation to appointments. If it’s hard for you to get around town or even to your local grocery store, assisted living may be able to help with transportation needs.
- Trouble keeping plans with others. If you find yourself canceling plans because of health problems or other issues that prevent you from going out in public, it might be time to evaluate an assisted arrangement.
If you or a loved one are in need of help with day-to-day tasks, assisted living can provide that support. In an assisted living community, you’ll have your own apartment or private room and share space with other seniors.
Assisted living communities offer various levels of care, from light assistance to full nursing care. You can enjoy meals together at the dining table within the community or choose where and when to eat your meals independently. You also have access to social programs such as group activities and outings so that you don’t feel isolated from the outside world.
Conclusion
If you’re wondering when it’s time to get some assistance, take the time to think about the reasons you might be considering an assisted living facility.
- Are your children or grandchildren concerned for your safety?
- Are there things that make it difficult for you to live alone?
- Do you need help with daily tasks like bathing and dressing?
Assisted living facilities can offer a lot of benefits—they allow older adults to maintain their independence while also providing caregiving services when needed. If any of these situations apply to you, then consider contacting American Grand today!