We’re here to offer some guidance on this issue. Here are 8 signs it may be time to move your senior into an assisted living community.
How to Tell Your Loved One Needs Assisted Living in Troy, IL
1. Weak Mobility
If you begin to notice your aging loved one is struggling to make it up and down the stairs or get around the home in general, this could be a sign that they need some assistance getting around. Weak mobility can inhibit one’s ability to get to the restroom or safely prepare meals. Additionally, weaker mobility can lead to trouble getting out of the house and could lead to injuries. At an assisted living community, your senior will have access to support for these daily activities.
2. Difficulty Managing Medications
Have you noticed your loved one isn’t keeping up with their medications? If they are failing to take medication because they forget, assisted living can help keep them on schedule. The caregiving staff will make sure your loved one is receiving the medicine they need.
3. Trouble Taking Care of the Home
Are the bathrooms clean? Is there fresh food in the kitchen? Managing a household is a lot of work and if your loved one can’t keep up with their housework, an assisted living facility could reduce their stress level and provide a more sanitary living space.
Although your loved one might enjoy living on their own, the upkeep responsibilities may be more than they can handle. Talk to your loved one to see if they’d prefer to live in a place where they won’t have to worry about home maintenance and housework.
4. Your Loved One is Frequently Disoriented
Has your senior ever left for several hours and was difficult to get a hold of? Or were you with them and noticed them wandering around and getting lost - even in a familiar environment? Wandering is often a common symptom of dementia. If this problem persists, talk to your loved one and their doctor about their memory issues. Often, people who have dementia benefit from living in an assisted living facility with memory care services as it will make their life safer and ease anxiety and confusion.
5. They Seem Unhappy
As seniors age, it can be difficult to find the right community of friends to enjoy life with. Especially if their health or home is suffering, it can become increasingly challenging for your loved one to find fulfillment in their everyday life. At an assisted living community, there is easy access to activities and they’ll be surrounded by other like-minded individuals to spend time with.
6. Family is Far Away
If your senior is living more than 30 minutes away from you or other family members, it can be difficult to check on them frequently. If the distance is too much and you’ve noticed any of the previously discussed signs, assisted living will make sure your loved one is getting the support they need.
7. Friends or Neighbors Have Expressed Concerns
You aren’t always around to check on your loved one. As such, you may not be aware of what is happening on a regular basis with your loved one.
If this happens, talk with your loved ones’ friends and neighbors about what they observe. They may have noticed things that suggest it's time for your loved one to receive full-time care in an assisted living setting.
8. Their Current Caregiver is Burnt Out
Is your loved one receiving full-time care from you, another relative, or a caregiving professional? At a certain point, it may become impossible for the caregiver to provide adequate care. The caregiver may become burnt out and overwhelmed by the responsibilities. If that’s the case, your loved one may benefit from an assisted living community.
Looking for Assisted Living in Troy, IL?
Are you concerned about your aging loved one’s safety, health, or happiness? Then it’s time to talk to your loved one about their housing options. For high-quality assisted living in Troy, IL, there’s no better place to turn than the Aspen Creek of Troy. Contact us today to learn more about our services.