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Have You Seen These Signs?

Knowing when it’s the right time to move your parents into assisted living is never an easy thing. Most older adults don’t want to leave behind the home they’ve spent decades in, nor do they want to give up their independence. Nor is it easy on you, as their adult child, to watch their physical and mental health break down.

There does come a time, though, when their health and safety call for additional care. Here are five signs that it might be time to move your parent into assisted living:

• Sudden weight loss.

These are often signs that your loved one is either experiencing health issues or is having trouble managing activities of daily living. If they’re having trouble making their own meals, they tend to resort to eating what is easiest or nothing at all. This lack of proper nutrition could cause a sudden loss of weight.

• Lack of grooming.

This could come in the form of no longer brushing teeth or hair, as grooming becomes more difficult. You might also notice them wearing the same outfit several days in a row.

• Repeated medical incidents and emergencies.

How many times has mom had a fall this year? Did dad break his arm from trying to stop a fall? These can be signs that they’re losing their mobility. If they’re having difficulty navigating stairs or around stairs, this could also be a sign of decreased mobility. This can, in turn, cause their home to become a very dangerous place for them to inhabit.

• Placing themselves in harm’s way.

Does it look like there was a fire on the stove recently? Did you stop by to visit, only to find the door wide open? Safety and security issues are another reason why you may want to consider assisted living for your loved ones. While forgetfulness is a natural part of aging, could also be a sign of a more serious matter, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.

• Unpaid bills and an unkept house.

Just as a lack of personal hygiene may indicate a problem with activities of daily living, lax housekeeping may mean their mobility is interfering with their ability to perform basic chores. If you notice unopened bills or they start having their utilities turned off even though they have the money to pay for it, this could indicate that their memory issues are affecting their ability to live independently.

Contact us today to see what products we carry that can help them both at home or in an assisted living center. We're here to help!