Is It Time to Move to Assisted Living?
Moving a loved one to an assisted living community is an emotional and difficult decision for everyone involved. Nonetheless, it is a decision that can provide peace of mind to family members and open doors of opportunity for seniors to live a fulfilled life. Some seniors readily accept the fact that they require additional assistance, while others refuse to acknowledge the need. It is preferable if the decision can be made with everyone present – seniors, loved ones, and caregivers – but there are times when family members and caregivers must make the decision due to diminished cognitive function. While there is no manual for determining when it is time to transition to assisted living,
Is Your Loved One Able to Perform Daily Activities as Needed?
When considering a move to assisted living, one of the most important factors to consider is the ability to perform daily activities. If a self-sufficient individual is having difficulty with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, getting in and out of bed, feeding, toileting, and continence issues, he or she may be better served in an assisted living community. Reviewing your loved one’s daily activities and noting what activities they can and cannot do will help you determine the level of assistance they may require. If they can continue to do the majority of these activities, they may only require some assistance at home; however, if they can only do one or two of these without assistance, assisted living will provide the necessary assistance.
Are There Growing Health Concerns?
As we get older, our health concerns grow. Health issues can become more complicated as your loved one ages, and existing health problems can worsen. When either of these things happens, an assisted living facility may be able to help manage their condition better because they have nurses and caregivers on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If this is the case, you must ensure that the assisted living facilities you are considering for your senior can provide the level of care required.
Are Household Duties Being Missed?
Household duties range from simple chores like laundry and dishwashing to paying bills and managing finances. If you’ve noticed laundry piling up, your loved one’s once-tidy home becoming disorganized, or bills piling up, it might be time to consider an assisted living facility. Maintaining a household can be difficult and stressful for seniors and their families, but assisted living communities provide housekeeping services that can help.
Are You a Stressed Caregiver?
Are you or a family member providing care? Is stress becoming an issue? The demands on the primary caregiver increase as your loved one’s needs grow. This could also indicate that more assistance is required. An assisted living community can work with you to ensure that your loved one receives the care they require to live well.
Take a stroll or even a run.
Walking or running with friends or family members helps everyone stay connected while releasing endorphins and improving overall physical health. If your loved one is in a wheelchair, taking a walk around the neighborhood allows them to enjoy your company while also meeting new neighbors.
Are Forgetfulness and Falls Becoming an Issue?
With age, the risk of falling becomes a real concern. If your loved one is falling due to home disrepair, misplaced items, or rugs, it may be time to consider assisted living. Another factor to consider is medication that has gone missing. Medication errors, as well as incorrect dosages, can lead to more serious medical problems. An assisted living facility will manage medications to ensure that your loved one receives them on time and in the correct dosage.
Buffalo Medical Taxi
Many seniors must adjust to losing their driving independence when moving to assisted living. Stellar Transportation can help ease the transition by providing door-to-door transportation for your cherished senior.
