5 Signs Your Senior Loved Ones Need to Consider Assisted Living

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5 Signs Your Senior Loved Ones Need to Consider Assisted Living

When it comes to caring for aging loved ones, the challenges can seem endless. And no matter where you live or your budget, the strain of taking care of aging parents, grandparents or other senior loved ones can be exhausting. It’s a challenge that many caregivers face at some point in their lives, and it isn’t getting any easier. As baby boomers age, assisted living communities have sprung up everywhere to meet increasing demand from seniors who want more help with daily activities but don’t need to go into nursing homes yet. 

That said, if you feel like the stress is becoming too much for you as a caregiver or if you suspect that your senior loved one is struggling with their physical abilities and perhaps even depression, it could be time to explore assisted living as an option. Read on and take a closer look at the five signs that your senior loved ones need to consider assisted living.

1. Health Problems

Issues with physical health can cause seniors to find daily tasks like walking, bathing, and even eating to be incredibly difficult or even impossible. If your loved one is facing chronic problems with their vision, hearing, mobility, or even short-term memory loss, those issues can make life incredibly challenging. 

People with chronic illnesses like diabetes, COPD, heart disease, and even certain types of cancer might find it difficult to maintain their independence and a senior living facility could be a great option. If your loved one has recently suffered a stroke or broken a bone and will be in rehabilitation for a significant period of time, that could also be a sign that they’d benefit from assisted living facilities or services offered by a senior home care franchise. A broken bone or surgery can lead to complications that may keep your loved one in bed for weeks.

2. Sudden Aggressiveness 

If your loved one has always been a sweet, kind and patient person and then one day suddenly exhibits aggressive behavior, it could be a sign of mental decline. Sudden bursts of anger, violence, and even hallucinations could be a sign of dementia, stroke, or other cognitive ailments. This can also be a sign that your loved one is experiencing emotional or mental health issues that make living alone too difficult. 

A sudden shift in emotional health can be a sign that your loved one is experiencing depression. If your loved one’s sudden shift towards anger and aggressiveness seems to be coming from a place of sadness, it may be a sign that they are depressed. Most seniors who find themselves in an assisted living facility have a medical reason for being there; however, a sudden shift in emotional health may be a sign that your loved one could benefit from living in a more supportive environment.

3. Basic Needs Neglected

Sometimes seniors neglect to maintain their hygiene. This can be a symptom of dementia that could make it challenging for seniors to live alone. Healthy living and healthy habits are critical for aging adults, but if your loved one is no longer taking care of themselves, it can also be the time to consider consulting a home care franchise for assisted living plans. 

Signs that your loved one might need more help include things like not eating well, not exercising, or neglecting household chores. If you notice significant changes in your loved one’s behavior or habits, it’s always a good idea to ask if there is a reason for that change. It could be a sign that your loved one needs more help but is either unaware or unwilling to ask for it.

4. Loss of Physical Mobility

Seniors who have always been active can lose their ability to walk, particularly as they age. This is a sign that your loved one is experiencing a major shift in their level of independence and it could be a sign that they are too overwhelmed to stay at home alone. Poor physical health can lead to a reduced ability to live independently, but that doesn’t mean that every aging adult needs to move into an assisted living facility. 

If your loved one is experiencing a significant decline in mobility, however, it may be a sign that they need more help. If your loved one has always been an active person but now has trouble getting around or doing daily tasks, it could be a sign that the deterioration of their body is affecting their ability to take care of themselves.

5. Forgetting Things 

Forgetting things is normal as we age, but if your loved one is routinely forgetting important things like doctor’s appointments, loved ones’ birthdays, or even their own routines, it could be a sign that they need more help. It can be easily noticed when your loved one is an adult who has always been an excellent student or has always had a great memory, they may be frustrated or confused by their sudden inability to recall names, places, or events. Forgetting small things from time to time is normal, but if your loved one is regularly missing appointments or otherwise letting down loved ones, it could be a sign that they need more assistance.

Final Thoughts 

These are just a few signs that your senior loved ones may need to consider assisted living, but there are many others. It is important to recognize these signs and take action before it becomes a dangerous situation. If your loved one is experiencing any of the five signs mentioned above, it may be time to visit a home care facility to explore your options. There, you can learn more about the variety of services that these facilities offer and what type of senior living could be the best fit for your loved one.