Most likely, your loved one wants to age in place at home. But there could come a day when that becomes infeasible. Assisted living is a great choice for keeping elderly people secure, connected to others, and in good mental and physical health. How can you recognise when your parents require the assistance that assisted living offers is the issue.
When should you consider assisted living?
The general consensus is to act sooner rather than later. When giving care at home no longer appears realistic, assisted living is the best option. Because every senior is different, they might not immediately show indicators that they need a greater degree of care. Consider your loved one's daily routine, health, functional skills, current and future financial situation while deciding whether to investigate a move to senior living.
We have listed some signs that will tell you that you require assisted living:
It can be challenging for families to choose whether it's time for Supported Independent Living in Melbourne. A senior may exhibit one obvious indicator, such as the inability to care for oneself following a fall or a new disease, or there may be several less obvious signs.
The following questions can help you better understand your loved one's health and functional abilities the next time you visit them. Some of these issues can be resolved on their own with home modifications or additional in-home care support. It may be time for assisted living, though, if you notice that your loved one is having trouble with several of the examples below.
● Is your loved one maintaining a schedule for cleaning, dishwashing, and laundry?
Everybody has previously put off doing the laundry or let dishes sit in the sink. Those errors aren't necessarily cause for concern. Keep an eye out for adjustments to your loved one's daily routine. If they used to sweep every day but you're noticing dust or spills accumulating, it might be an indication that they're struggling to keep up with previous routines. Signs may be more severe if they were never particularly neat, such as weeks' worth of stacked dishes or unpleasant odours in the house.
● Does your loved one sustain bumps or injuries frequently? Do they have any trouble navigating the house?
A senior is more prone to trip or fall when their balance deteriorates. It may be risky to move around the house if you see bruises or scrapes, which might later result in a more serious fall or injury.
● Does your family member take their medication as directed?
Mismanagement is evident when prescription bottles are stacked, pill boxes are out of date, or early requests for medicine refills are made. Misusing medications can have serious health ramifications, such as adverse effects, hospitalisation, and overdose.
● If they continue to drive, how safely are they doing it?
Look out for any odd dings or scratches on their car, mowed grass next to the driveway, or broken limbs. Inquire about traffic tickets. Ask if you may ride along with your loved one if you're worried about their driving.
● Does your loved one eat healthfully and consistently?
Seniors' appetites typically alter as they age. If your relative is eating a little less than they used to or is concentrating on a few favourite foods, don't worry. However, serious weight loss or gain, an empty refrigerator, or expired food in the pantry can all be warning signs.
● Can your parents operate a device safely?
Kitchen equipment misuse may be harmful. Your loved one might no longer be able to operate appliances properly if you see burners left on, refrigerator doors left open, or dripping faucets.
● Does your loved one struggle with cleanliness, such as taking a bath and grooming themselves?
Your relative may no longer be able to maintain proper hygiene if you notice changes in their appearance, such as unbrushed hair or teeth, soiled clothing, or a lack of regular bathing. Everybody has a different routine, so the signs can change.
● Has the house of your relative grown dangerous for them?
Do the bathrooms have grab bars? Do the floors in the house have carpets, high thresholds, or other trip hazards? If your loved one feels uneasy traversing a space, you could notice that they stop going up and down the steps or avoid it altogether.
● Is your relative behind on bills or responding to mail?
Mail building up on the counter or in the mailbox might be a warning sign. Your loved one could just forget or fear that their failing vision would prevent them from being able to communicate in the future. Look for unpaid bills, suspicious bank statements, or unreceived cheques.
● Do your parents still partake in hobbies they find enjoyable?
Did your loved one routinely participate in events at the senior centre, church, or garden club in their community? Have they given up hobbies they formerly loved, such as reading, painting, or crafts? They might no longer have faith in their skills or they might be losing interest. Thought and physical health are both impacted by involvement.
It might be time to start looking into nearby assisted living communities and assessing your loved one's additional needs if the answers to most of these questions raise any concerns in your mind or if you're noticing some of the warning signs mentioned above.
