Warning Signs That Indicate It Is Time For Assisted Living

Assisted living is one of the most common type of senior housing options. Assisted living facilities are housing choices designed for people who need help with their daily activities, such as bathing, cooking, grocery shopping, laundry, etc. but who don’t necessarily need a lot of regular medical care. Assisted facilities are also ideal for individuals suffering from memory problems, such as Dementia or Alzheimer’s. If you as a caregiver are experiencing burnout or it’s getting difficult to balance your caregiving role with other responsibilities at work or at home- it may be time to consider assisted living for your loved one, such as hiring in-home care or perhaps even moving them to a senior living community, such as the award-winning Anthem Senior Living in Phoenix.

Moving your loved one into assisted living can be tough for anybody involved- you may feel guilty, and both you and your loved one may feel hesitant and even fearful about making this change. Sometimes what’s more difficult is knowing when the time is right to make the move.

Here’s a list of red flags, if you notice any of these it’s probably time to start the conversation:

1. Frequent falls, especially if your loved one can’t get help- are a sign that it’s time for more help and possibly for a senior living community.
2. Frailty- If they are having more trouble bouncing back from minor illnesses like colds, or any of their chronic health condition (if they have) seems to be getting worse- it’s time for a move.
3. Forgetfulness- Are they forgetting to take medications? Are you getting a call from their end several times a day for some kind of help? Assisted living can help.
4. Your loved one might be eating takeouts or frozen meals. You may notice a significant change in their weight in the last few months. Rapid weight gain or loss, or other signs of malnutrition can be indicative of serious health issues or a sign that they’re having trouble preparing food.
5. Personal Hygiene– Signs like your loved one always wearing the same clothes, there’s been a sudden slip in their grooming, there’s a new body odor, etc. indicate someone is having a hard time bathing, which increases their risk of infection and increases the likelihood of decline in emotional and mental health. Issues with self-care or other activities of daily living are sure-shot signs someone may not be okay living by themselves.
6. Mobility issues like difficulty in getting around on their own necessitates assisted care. Assisted facilities offer transportation to doctor’s appointments.
7. Financial Upkeep- Stacks of unopened bills, withdrawal of cash for no reason, piles of past-due notices, etc. are serious warning signs.
8. Isolation And Behavioral Changes- Are they rarely leaving the house, loss of interest in participating in social activities, aggressive behavior (they are becoming irritable, violent, or demanding). Such behaviors may be associated with confusion and dementia, which might indicate they need to move to an assisted living community since these facilities have special memory care units for people living with dementia.

There needs to be an open dialogue between you and your loved one about their housing options if you’re concerned about your beloved’s safety, health or happiness. If your aging loved one needs assisted care, put them up in a senior living community. Assisted facilities provide many mental and physical benefits to residents. Book a suite at Anthem Senior Living and expect for your loved one to receive the best form of senior living in Anthem care.