As our parents get older, it becomes quite challenging to identify when they require personal assistance. Getting admission to assisted living is not an easy call, but one must know the signs that show their parent may require more care. According to the National Institute on Aging, more than one in four older adults aged 65 and above experiences falls every year, leading to some serious health problems.
Moreover, Forbes reports that almost 18 million older adults, or 50% of individuals aged 65 and older, require assistance with routine daily activities. Assisted living can be an appropriate and safe haven if your parent is experiencing challenges in terms of health, daily routine, or social life. The following blog will help you to recognise the signs that may mean it is time for your parent to consider assisted living.
How to Recognize the Signs?
Caring for a loved one is rewarding, but it can also be hard. Assisted living becomes an option when your parent needs more help than you can give. Look for these signs:
- Difficulty with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) : Tasks like dressing, bathing, and using the toilet can be hard for seniors. Assisted living helps with ADLs, ensuring safety and dignity.
- Decline in Health : Chronic illnesses are common in seniors. If their health worsens, assisted living might be needed for safety.
- Medication Mismanagement : Forgetting or taking the wrong medication can cause health problems. Assisted living ensures seniors take the right medicines.
- Financial Troubles : Managing bills and finances can be hard for seniors. Assisted living can help manage finances and reduce stress.
- Worsening Dementia Symptoms : Dementia can make self-care hard. Specialised care in assisted living can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Social Isolation : Limited mobility or lack of transportation can lead to isolation. Assisted living offers social activities and transportation.
- Untidy Living Spaces : If your parent struggles to clean, cook, or take out the trash, it may be time for assisted living.
- Poor Hygiene : Neglecting personal hygiene may signal health or cognitive issues. Signs like unpleasant odours suggest they need help.
- Weight Loss : Weight loss can mean they are not eating or have health problems. Assisted living provides meals and helps with nutrition.
- Caregiver Burnout : Caregivers can feel overwhelmed. Assisted living provides constant care, allowing caregivers to regain balance in their lives.
- Home Safety Concerns : Stairs, narrow hallways, and slippery tubs become hazardous. Assisted Living is designed to make seniors secure with features such as grab bars and emergency systems in place. If you notice these signs, consult a doctor to find the best care option. Assisted living offers a supportive environment where seniors can thrive with the right care. Find a community that offers good nutrition, fun activities, and a sense of purpose. With proper support, your parent can enjoy a safe, fulfilling lifestyle in assisted living.
Bottom Line
Deciding whether your parent needs assisted living can be tough, but there are some key signs to look out for. Forbes states that nearly 18 million older adults, or nearly half of everyone aged 65 and older, report that they need some help with routine daily activities.
Assisted living can be considered in case the parent is challenged by performing everyday activities, health problems, or feelings of isolation. Studies reveal that senior housing residents have lesser rates of emergency department inpatient admissions due to such causes as physical injury-related issues, hip fractures, wounds, COPD, dehydration, and UTIs. These communities provide the care and support your parent needs in order to live safely and comfortably. Consulting with a doctor and exploring different options will ensure your parent gets the right care and enjoy life to the fullest.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do most people need assisted living?
Most people consider assisted living when they reach 75 or older. But age is not the only determinant. Some may need it earlier, like in their 60s, if they have health problems or have trouble doing simple tasks. Assisted living is for those seniors who require help in bathing, dressing, or taking medicine. It is needed when they cannot safely live on their own anymore.
What to do as your parents age?
As your parents age, it’s good to keep an eye on their health and wellbeing. Some things you can do include:
- Check their health regularly: Make sure they get regular check-ups with their doctor so that any health issues can be managed.
- Help them out with daily tasks: For example, clean up around the house, cook, or assist with medication if they require it.
- Make their home safer: Remove tripping hazards, install grab bars, and make it easy to move around the house.
- Keep them connected: Spend time with them, maintain social activities, and facilitate staying in contact with friends and family.
- Monitor for signals of need: Pay attention to signals that require additional assistance; these can include failing to accomplish their daily activities or declining health.
- Talk about future care: Talk about what they would like their future care to be if there was a need to do assisted living.
Which age group has the largest percentage in assisted living?
In many instances, the age bracket in assisted living is mainly individuals aged 85 years old and above. Assisted living residents are usually accounted for by this category. When people grow old, they may suffer other illnesses, and they may not find living alone easy; assisted living would be appropriate since assistance in everyday activities is available for such individuals.
