We’ve said it before: considering senior living for your loved one is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do as a family. Even harder when you don’t really know if it’s time or not. We’re often asked: “Is there a way to know for sure?”
The truth? Most of the time there are a number of subtle signs rather than one telling event. Here’s what to look for to determine if your loved one could benefit from extra support in assisted living. In this article, we will explore what to look for when the time comes.
5 Telltale Signs It’s Time for Assisted Living
By answering the questions within each sign, you will be able to better identify the areas in which your loved one may need extra support But keep in mind that some signs are so gradual they’re hard to notice, unless you’re specifically looking, so don’t be too hard on yourself for not recognizing a “yes” sooner.
Keep in mind that we are trained professionals, so we know what to look for. That is why we wanted to make this guide, so it is easy for you too!
1. Safety
- Has your loved one left the door unlocked or opened their door to strangers?
- Have you experienced your loved one wandering or getting disoriented in a familiar place?
- Have they left appliances on and/or confused the heat and cool setting on the thermostat?
- Have they fallen, or do vision issues, balance, medications and/or safety concerns in the home put them at higher risk?
- Do they struggle to maintain their basic health needs?
- Are you sometimes concerned with their actions?
2. Health & Nutrition
- Is it difficult for your loved one to get in and out of bed and/or their chair?
- Do they have trouble navigating stairs and/or around furniture?
- Have they had a recent health scare or trouble recovering from common illnesses?
- Are their chronic health conditions getting worse or harder to manage?
- Is your loved one suddenly unkempt and/or wearing dirty clothes?
- Have they experienced sudden weight loss or gain?
- Are there stale, expired foods in the pantry or a stockpile of certain items?
- Does your loved one opt for frozen dinners or take-out instead of cooking fresh food?
- Do they struggle to make food?
- Are they forgetting when the last time they are was?
- Have they accidentally hurt themselves while attempting to make food?
3. Daily Tasks
- Is it hard for your loved one to keep up with house cleaning, laundry, shopping and other chores?
- Is their home in disrepair and/or do they struggle to maintain the yard?
- Do they need help to shower, dress, go to the bathroom and/or manage their medications?
- Are there unpaid bills; have they been the victim of scams?
- Are their plants and/or pets well taken care of?
- Do they remember to check the mail?
- Are they making it to appointments?
- Do they forget who they have called or ask the same questions?
4. Transportation
- Has your loved one had accidents or close calls while driving?
- Have you noticed dangerous driving: too fast/slow, tailgating, drifting across lanes or confusing the gas and the brake?
- Does their reaction time seem slower and/or their vision impaired?
- Are they easily distracted; have they gotten lost on the way home?
- Do they struggle to get to places on time?
- Are they a bit shaky behind the wheel?
- Do people seem to drive around them?
5. Social & Emotional Well-Being
- Does your loved one have a variety of social opportunities available?
- Are they avoiding activities which they previously loved?
- Do they have active friendships?
- Does your loved one seem moody and/or depressed?
- Are they able to go out and have fun?
- Do they only talk to family?
- Is the majority of their time spent alone?
- Do they seem unbelievably grateful and happy when you call?
An Easier Assisted Living Transition
If, after considering the questions above, you feel it may be time to consider assisted living for your loved one, there is an option that may help to ease the transition. Many seniors, and their families, are hesitant of the institutional feel and large campuses of traditional assisted living communities. However, boutique senior living provides residential care in a home setting. It’s an alternative that blends the comfort of home with the quality care and amenities of large communities – what we feel is the best of both worlds!
What Senior Living Is
Senior living consists of carefully designed communities that help seniors live their best lives. We make sure that our residents love the way that they spend their time whether it is partaking in fun activities or eating delicious meals. Our trained professionals make it easy for you to feel comfortable moving your loved ones in. We provide ongoing support, a wide range of fun activities, and so much more. We love our residents and we work hard to keep them happy!
What Senior Living Is Not
So many families struggle with the idea of senior living. There is this idea that you’re essentially giving your relative or loved one away when you move them into a senior center. This could not be farther from the truth. Our communities are specially designed to help your loved ones live better lives.
The reality is that we can’t always be there for our loved ones. Unfortunately, this often leads to them sitting alone at home, sometimes watching tv or reading a book. It isn’t a lot of fun and it can get lonely.
Our senior communities are just that: communities. We provide an optimal living space that keeps your loved ones happy, healthy, and totally active. Instead of spending time waiting for a call or visit, our seniors spend their time together having fun with activities, going on trips, and more. We know that active lifestyles are great for health, which is why we make staying active easy at our centers.
Our Solution
Our boutique senior living homes are specially crafted for assisted living with 16 residents at most and a nearly unheard of 1 to 5 caregiver to resident ratio. Your loved one will have the personalized attention, active lifestyle and amenities they deserve in a home environment that still feels comfortable and familiar.
We have specially designed our living communities to help seniors get the most out of their time. Our team is not only able to support them medically, emotionally, and nutritionally, but we also make sure they have fun. The seniors in our communities are a tight-knit group who love to spend time together.
We make sure that our residents don’t just sit around waiting for someone to visit. Instead, our seniors are so active they might not have time for you! Our boutique senior living homes help seniors live comfortably and have fun at the same time!
For more information on assisted living at Shepherd Premier, schedule a virtual tour today or call (224) 333-6247 to speak to a team member.
