Making the decision to move to assisted living isn’t an easy one, but it might be a vital move to keep you or your loved one safe and well. It can be scary to think about the thought of losing some of your independence, emotionally and practically. How can we tell when it’s the right time to move to assisted living? Below are signs which are begging your loved to move to assisted living.
Sign 1: A recent accident or close call
If your loved one has recently had a fall, a medical scare or worse, think about how difficult it was to deal with and how long did it take for the right people to respond. In assisted living, you have 24 hour care. Accidents always happen but as we get older the risks of them happening increase.
Sign 2: A chronic health condition that’s getting worse
Progressive problems such as Alzheimer’s and dementia can decline gradually, or precipitously, but either way, their presence means your loved one will increasingly need help. To begin with, you might find it easy to cope with but it will begin to take a strain on your own life.
Sign 3: Weight loss
When you hug your loved one, does the person feel thinner than you remember? Many conditions from depression to illness can cause weight loss. Your loved one might have trouble getting to the supermarket or struggle to remember how to cook, which can cause them to lose weight. Ensure you check their fridge now and again to monitor if they are having trouble with this.
Sign 4: Body odour
If you notice your loved ones personal hygiene habits have changed, this could be a sign that they are struggling or paying less interest in themselves. It could also be due to memory trouble or other ailments.
Sign 5: Changes in appearance
Does your loved one’s hair and make-up look different from unusual? Are clothes kept clean? Has your loved one started wearing clothes that are baggy and unflattering? If they’ve suddenly made different changes that are very unusual for them, this could be a sign that they are becoming forgetful or unable to groom themselves properly.
Sign 6: Losing interest in their hobbies
Has your loved one abandoned a hobby that he or she once loved? Did he or she often go to a club that they’ve stopped going to? There are many reasons why people might cut back on a hobby but dropping out of everything and showing interest in very little could be a sign of depression.
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Sign 7: Lack of housekeeping
Look around your loved ones living areas. Has he or she spilt something and not bothered to clean it up? This is a common sign of dementia – the person lacks the follow-through to tidy. Physical limitations can mean your loved one needs help with housekeeping and a change of living situation such as in a care home for the elderly like Extra Care at Home , where they can be taken care of.
Have you had to make the decision of moving a family member or loved one into assisted housing or a care home? How did you know it was the right time?
Belle says
This is such an informative post. With so many living choices available for older people today, it is really possible to confuse one with the other. Many of us have a misconception that an assisted living facility implies a nursing home whereas assisted living helps them enjoy their independence and care for them at the same time.