While there are many benefits to assisted living communities, the decision to move can be difficult. “When is it time for assisted living?” is a question many people ask, from seniors themselves to their family members. Quality of life is a primary focus when answering this question.
Sunrise Senior Living provides support and guidance for families to help determine what's best for everyone involved. Discover how assisted living can provide peace of mind and learn which signs may indicate it’s time to consider a move.
Physical Challenges and Mobility Issues
Whether it’s the result of joint issues, balance disturbances, or medical conditions, seniors can commonly have difficulty moving around as they used to.
Frequent Falls or Accidents
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention point out the seriousness of falls among those over 65. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to falls due to medication side effects, balance challenges, loss of flexibility and strength, and vision issues.
It may not be possible to entirely prevent falls. However, should a fall occur, assisted living communities have team members on hand to provide help and prevention strategies.
Difficulty with Daily Living Activities
Grooming and hygiene can become cumbersome and challenging for seniors, which may lead to not changing clothes as often or skipping bathing and grooming tasks. Having support for these activities can enhance quality of life and boost seniors’ confidence.
Noticeable Weight Loss or Lack of Proper Nutrition
Seniors may struggle with healthy eating habits. Perhaps it has become too difficult to cook for themselves or they’re no longer interested in eating as much. Improper nutrition and weight loss may make it difficult to recover from illnesses and could even lead to hospitalization. At Sunrise’s assisted living communities, daily restaurant-style dining and bistro snacks tailored to personal tastes help residents enjoy mealtime again.
Decline in Personal Care and Hygiene
You want your loved one to be well cared for and enjoy their senior years. Issues with personal hygiene can lead to health problems, social anxiety, and depression.
Neglected Appearance
A subtle decline in overall presentation may signify a need for assistance. Stains on clothing may indicate they aren’t changing as often or might be sleeping in their day wear. Having support with dressing, bathing, and laundry can help ensure your loved one’s needs are met.
Difficulty Managing Medications
Properly taking medication is critical to overall health. Mixing up pills, taking the wrong doses, or self-medicating with expired or discontinued prescriptions can have severe consequences for your loved one’s health.
In assisted living, trained team members help ensure the correct medication is taken at the right time and in the right amount, taking a huge burden off your loved one.
Unclean Living Conditions
When considering how to know when it’s time for assisted living, look for changes in household maintenance. Unclean living conditions aren’t just an aesthetic problem—clutter around the house can trigger falls and unsanitary conditions can lead to illnesses.
Memory and Cognitive Changes
Cognitive decline can intensify any of the above concerns, making it more difficult to take medications correctly, cook and eat food, clean up, and move about safely. This can be a great safety risk for seniors living alone.
Memory Loss
Frequently missing appointments, misremembering family members, or putting objects in strange places may signify memory decline. In that case, it may be time to review the benefits of a memory care community.
Confusion and Disorientation
It can be disconcerting—and potentially dangerous—to be alone in a house and not know where you are or who to call if you need help. Memory care communities provide hands-on care, structure, and expert support.
Increased Anxiety or Agitation
Frustration and feeling overwhelmed can lead many seniors to overthink a problem or situation. Living in a community gives them the support they need so they can focus on purposeful, enjoyable activities.
Social Isolation and Emotional Well-Being
It may be easy to assume your loved one enjoys being alone, when they may be having trouble with socialization and mental health.
Withdrawal from Social Activities
Humans need socialization to thrive, whether it’s a group setting or a casual breakfast with a good friend. A decline in social activities and hobbies could precipitate other problems, including depression and poor health.
Signs of Depression or Loneliness
Sadness or loneliness can be common as people age. However, isolation can lead to depression. Explore the options for social interaction and involvement at assisted living communities to help your loved one connect with others on a daily basis.
Loss of Interest in Daily Life
It’s easy to drift through the days when you live alone, especially if you rarely see or talk to people. Physical ailments may rob your loved one of past hobbies or interests. Assisted living communities offer new hobbies, activities, and social opportunities geared toward seniors.
Caregiver Burnout
Caring for a loved one can be demanding and may lead to both mental and physical challenges.
Caregiver Stress
Caregivers often have several responsibilities in their lives. These conflicting obligations can lead to mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion.
Senior living communities take care of day-to-day caregiving, removing a considerable burden from caregivers. Visiting with and talking to senior loved ones can shift from difficult to more relaxing and enjoyable.
Concerns About Safety
While a variety of devices are available to help keep seniors safe in their homes, someone still needs to respond should something happen. Having team members on hand 24/7 in an assisted living community takes the burden off of caregivers, giving them peace of mind and helping their loved one stay safe.
Limited Ability to Provide Proper Care
As caregivers, it's important to recognize and admit when things are overwhelming. You may not be able to offer the care your loved one needs, even if you want to. Better care can be the difference between your loved one living a healthy, fulfilling life and just getting by.
Increased Medical Needs
Meeting the needs of seniors with health issues is challenging to say the least. It’s important to know when you’ve reached your capacity to provide the type of care your loved one requires.
Chronic Health Conditions
Proper management of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease can significantly improve quality of life. This type of medical care may be beyond your abilities and skillset. Assisted living team members are trained in chronic disease management and can help treat your loved one’s condition effectively.
Hospitalizations or ER Visits
Hospital stays can have a detrimental impact on seniors, much more so than younger adults, due to restricted mobility and unfamiliar environments. Some hospitalizations can be avoided with early care and treatment by attentive assisted living team members.
Need for Specialized Care
Cognitive decline can result in your loved one needing 24/7 support. Senior living communities have specialized memory care neighborhoods to enrich the lives of seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or types of memory loss.
The Benefits of Assisted Living
The above concerns are just a few reasons it may be time to consider an assisted living community. By being proactive, you can plan a move with minimal stress and maximum benefit.
Personalized Care
Assisted living communities carefully customize care plans for each resident. Your loved one will receive attentive, expert care that can evolve over time as needs change.
24/7 Support
Regardless of how much care or assistance is needed, it’s comforting to know that trained team members are available 24/7. Should an emergency arise, help is nearby.
Social Engagement
Socialization is critical to mental health and cognitive well-being. Sunrise assisted living communities offer a range of activities, excursions, and opportunities for socialization.
Making the Move to Assisted Living
If your loved one is experiencing one or more of these challenges, it may be a good time to be proactive. Specialized care and a vibrant community can help promote a meaningful, healthy life.
Sunrise Senior Living offers best-in-class assisted living services and our team members can help you navigate your options. Book a personal tour at a Sunrise community near you to see how personalized care can help your loved one thrive.