How to recognize when it is time to move a parent into assisted living?

As our parents age, it becomes more and more difficult for them to take care of themselves. This is especially true if they live alone. If you have aging parents, you may be wondering when the time is right to move them into an assisted living facility.

There are a few signs that can help you know when it’s time to make the move.

1. Difficulty maintaining their home

If your parents are having difficulty keeping their home clean and in good repair, an assisted living facility may be the best option. In most assisted living facilities, housekeeping and upkeep are taken care of so your loved ones can relax and enjoy their retirement.

2. Not eating properly

If you notice that your parents aren’t eating as much or are losing weight, it’s possible that they can’t cook for themselves any longer. Meals are provided in assisted living, so you can rest confident in the knowledge that your parents are getting all of their nutritional requirements met.

3. Medication not being taken on schedule

If you’re worried that your parents aren’t taking their medication correctly, it might be time to look into assisted living facilities. These types of residences provide care and assistance to residents who need help with things like taking their medications on time.

4. Increasing Number of Falls or other Accidents

If your parents don’t tell you about their falls/accidents, or if you notice bruises or cuts on them that they can’t explain, it might be time to think about assisted living. Assisted living facilities have 24-hour caregivers, which can give both you and your parents peace of mind.

5. They are more prone to catching illnesses.

As we age, it becomes more likely that we will catch an illness. The elderly population is especially vulnerable to catching the flu or a more serious infection.

This decrease in health might require more care than you or they can provide for themselves. Assisted living can help ease your worries and make sure your parents always have access to the care they need.

6. Isolation and Loneliness

If you’ve begun to see your parents suffer from loneliness and isolation, it might be due in part to their age. As people grow older, they often lose friends which can lead to detrimental effects on their mental state. Assisted living is a great option for those who have noticed these changes in their loved ones.

An assisted living home can assist them in regaining social engagement if they are no longer participating in social activities and hobbies as they used to. Being surrounded by their peer group and engaging in activities that have been arranged by the facility might help them live more positively and become more sociable.

7. Changes in Their Personal Hygiene

Consider assisted living for your parents if you notice they aren’t maintaining their personal hygiene like before. If you visit them at home and see that they’re wearing dirty clothes, this is a sign they may need more assistance than you can provide. At an assisted living facility, there are professionals who can help with all of their needs, including brushing teeth and changing into clean clothes.

8. Changes in Personality

If you notice your parents lack energy or no longer enjoy activities they used to, it might be time for professional help. These changes in mood might be early signs of a more serious problem and placing them into assisted living could be the best solution.

Making the decision to move a parent into an assisted living facility is never easy. However, if you notice any of these signs, it may be the best option for their health and wellbeing.