Most of us want to age and remain independent while living in our homes. However, this is not always possible due to the complications that come with aging, such as chronic illnesses, imbalance, inactivity, and lack of income. While it’s a complex topic between you and your senior parent, there are some signs that you can check for that signal your senior loved one needs assisted living. Here are some of the major signs we thought you should know.
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Chronic Health Condition That is Getting Worse
The National Council of Aging report shows that 80 percent of older adults suffer from at least one chronic disease while 77% have two or more of these conditions. As people age, they become vulnerable to chronic illnesses. These conditions can worsen due to poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and inadequate sleep. If you notice that your senior loved one’s health condition is deteriorating, you may want to talk to them about assisted living, where they will receive dedicated care.
Forgetting to Take Their Medicine
While it’s normal for a senior person to forget to take their medicine at some point, it’s not the same if they constantly forget. The medication is designed to keep their health condition under control. If your senior loved one keeps forgetting to take their medicine, you should seriously consider getting them into a senior living home.
Changes in Hygiene
If you notice changes in personal hygiene, such as unkempt hair, unpleasant body odor, or long dirty fingernails, you should be concerned. Self-neglect can be a sign of mental or physical issues. You can assess whether the person can physically perform self-care tasks. If they can but still don’t care for themselves, they may be dealing with a mental issue. Consider seeking help from health care professionals and start discussing assisted living.
Becoming Aggressive or Showing Signs of Dementia
Seniors with dementia can become aggressive as the disease progresses. Caring for a physically or verbally abusive person can be extremely difficult. Consider speaking to other family members about getting the seniors to a safe place where they can be handled by professionals who know how to care for dementia patients.
Frequent Falls
Falls can be deadly in seniors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four Americans falls each year, and 64 of these falls in 100, 000 older adults result in death. Frequent falls often signal that a senior is struggling with balance and posture. Their bones and muscles may not be strong enough, leading to trips.
Isolation
Lack of social interaction can often lead to isolation, which eventually leads to depression and other mental problems. This is more common in seniors who live alone, have fewer social ties, have a hearing impairment, or have mobility issues. Some seniors will intentionally isolate themselves based on their cognitive decline, dementia, or chronic disease.
Unable to Perform Daily Tasks
If your senior loved one has problems performing their daily tasks like cooking, cleaning dishes, and cleaning the floor, it’s time to talk to them about assisted living. They may have physical or mental limitations hindering them from properly taking care of themselves and their homes.
