Signs That It Might Be Time For Assisted Living

Like many people, you traveled home over the holidays or spent your time off with loved ones. Perhaps you went to visit your sister or everyone congregated at a resort to celebrate the holidays. For most, though traveling home to visit a parent is the most common arrangement. This is not only a time to catch up and enjoy one another’s company and tell wonderful stories of the past, but it’s also a time that families discuss important topics such as trusts, the next family gathering and maybe the next phase of life for an elderly or ailing family member. We thought it might be helpful to put together some points of consideration to look for or to talk through as a family to decide if it’s the right time to transition a loved one to an assisted living scenario.

Depression
Depression can manifest in different ways. Perhaps a loved one is not eating well or loses interest in food. Their mood may be affected and they might have a disinterest in going out or socializing. They don’t seem to care anymore about previous interests, hobbies or pursuits.

Hygiene and Housekeeping
A loved one may be not be bathing regularly, washing and changing clothes. Overall upkeep of the home and yard may be in a state of disrepair, as well.

Nutrition
Take a look in the refrigerator. You may commonly see expired food. Poor food choices or an abundance of over processed food or many times there is a lack of food altogether.

Prescriptions, Medical Care
Take notice of prescription drugs. Are they expired or maybe there are pills leftover in pill boxes that haven’t been taken at all. Are they keeping up with medical appointments, therapy treatments etc.?

Physical Struggles
Struggling to walk up stairs, open doors, feed pets regularly are all physical red flags. Perhaps they had a fall recently or a series of falls over the recent year. Pay attention to driving ability, as well and the simple task of running errands. Forgetfulness, confusion, not recognizing well known family members and friends are common mental deteriorations in elderly or someone who may be struggling with dementia.

These signs are typical core issues we see come up. It could be a combination of one or several, but the red flags usually begin to happen around the same time. The Waterford Communities are here to help. Let us know if you’d like to discuss any of these further.