Written on August 22, 2024, by Peter Hayes, President Senior Care Relations
Recognizing when a loved one might need assisted living can be challenging, but certain signs can indicate that it may be time to consider this option. Here are some key indicators.
Difficulty with Daily Activities
• Struggling with basic tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, or managing medications
Decline in Personal Hygiene
• Noticeable changes in grooming, such as unwashed hair, wearing dirty clothes, or body odor
Household Maintenance Issues
• A once tidy home becoming cluttered, dirty, or neglected, with laundry piling up, dishes left unwashed, or expired food in the refrigerator
Worsening Health Conditions
• Chronic health issues becoming harder to manage, frequent hospital visits, or an overall decline in physical health
Memory Problems
• Increasing forgetfulness, such as missing appointments, getting lost, forgetting to pay bills, or not taking medications correctly
Social Isolation
• Withdrawal from social activities, losing interest in hobbies, or spending most of their time alone
Frequent Falls or Mobility Issues
• Difficulty moving around, frequent falls, or bruises that could indicate recent falls
Changes in Mood or Behavior
• Noticeable mood swings, depression, anxiety, or aggressive behavior that wasn’t there before
Caregiver Burnout
• If family members or primary caregivers are feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or unable to provide the level of care needed
Unintended Weight Loss or Poor Nutrition
• Significant weight loss, or signs of malnutrition, like a lack of food in the house or spoiled food being eaten
Wandering or Getting Lost
• If a loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s, wandering or getting lost can be a significant safety concern
Neglecting Financial Responsibilities
• Unopened bills, late payments, or unusual financial activity, like giving away money or falling for scams
Increased Emergency Situations
• More frequent need for emergency services, such as calling 911 for non-emergencies or increased hospital admissions
If you’re noticing several of these signs, it might be time to discuss assisted living options with your loved one and consider consulting with a senior care advisor near you, such as Senior Care Relations for further advice.
Senior Care Relations provides senior care advice and assistance when you’re unsure where to go or what to do next. We assist with the process of determining and planning for the future for you or your loved one and securing the right steps according to your desires and preferences.
We specialize in assisted living placement and transfers, as well as assistance with benefits within the community for those who prefer to age in place. If you’re looking for someone that will advocate in your best interest, we are the right choice for you.
If you live in the Roanoke, Salem, Botetourt, New River Valley, or other surrounding areas in Virginia and you are looking to gather more information about assisted living or other care options for you or a loved one, feel free to email us at info@seniorcarerelations.com or call us at (540) 730-1001. We are here to help you along your care journey!