It’s official, the trend is for people to live longer. More and more people from all socioeconomic groups are reaching the age of 60 and over. Not only that, it seems more people are living to 100 years of age than in the past.
Even though people are living longer, dementia in the elderly continues to rise as the world population ages. You’re wise to consider assisted living arrangements for your elderly loved ones if they’re struggling with the limitations that dementia and other health issues bring in the senior years.
Making decisions that involve those closest to you can feel overwhelming and emotionally exhausting. In this article, we’re going to significantly lighten the emotional load for you by flagging 8 signs you should consider assisted living facilities.
1. Personal Hygiene Deteriorating
The Katz index of independence shows different activities of daily living. Several of those activities have a direct link with maintaining personal hygiene. If someone is experiencing great difficulty with washing or bathing themselves, going to the toilet, and controlling their bowel movements, it’s time to consider options for senior care.
In terms of continence, they need to be able to maintain complete control of themselves. The Katz index also mentions eating. They need to be able to transfer food to their mouth by themselves, so if they’re struggling with this it’s a signal they need much more help.
2. Reduced Mobility
Another sign that someone is independent is their ability to move about unassisted by another person. They may have a stick or they may even use a wheelchair or other assistive device but the important thing is they can manage it mainly by themselves.
If they struggle to get in and out of the bed, or in and out of the shower and need help to get around the house, then this is a clear signal they need more assistance. In which case, assisted living could continue to support them to maintain as much independence as possible while also providing the additional support and care they need.
3. Household Management Too Complicated
This should almost come as second nature since we have been doing this all our adult lives. Can someone manage their own finances competently? Can they keep track of their bills and payments?
Has managing the house financially become too complicated? Depending on the answers to these questions and how much support is available in the family, this could be an indication it’s time to consider other options for senior care.
4. Habitual Low Mood
Getting old is no fun, especially if you’re alone or socially isolated in some way. This is a sure path to depression, low mood, and a general loss of enthusiasm for life. Every ones’ social needs are different so that must also be considered.
However, on balance, if the immediate family cannot provide for the full social needs of an elderly loved one it may be time to consider assisted living communities.
5. Neighborhood Watch
Depending on where elderly loved ones live and what type of neighborhood that is, it can be beneficial to talk to the neighbors about your parents or relatives. Have they noticed any changes or deterioration in their general health and wellbeing?
Even more noteworthy, have they been seen looking lost or disorientated in the neighborhood? Don’t be frightened to ask the neighbors, they will likely give you an honest and helpful reply.
6. Overall Health Deteriorating
Even though there are specific areas that you want to consider it’s still good to keep an eye on the overall health and well-being of your loved ones. What’s the general trend in their health?
Are they adequately maintaining steady health even though of course they are getting older? Or, is there a general trend to deterioration? If the latter, it’s better to consider their living options earlier than later.
7. Difficulty Balancing Demands
This is more about you and what you can offer than those in need within the family. If you’re a parent, then you will have many demands on you. Your children need your time and energy.
Your partner needs your emotional support and you may also have significant work commitments that are vital to your family’s financial health. You must be honest with yourself and consider whether you’re truly able to balance all of that with the increasing demand associated with caring for an elderly loved one.
8. Caregiver Burnout
This could be you or it could be someone else in the family. It may even be a trusted employee. Burnout is a real danger for some and can be an indication that the emotional and care needs of the person receiving care is increasing and beyond what is reasonable for any one person to manage.
Consider Assisted Living Today
To say this is not an easy decision is an understatement, yet you must make a balanced decision that reflects the needs of everyone involved. That may mean everyone has to compromise in some way but overall gives the best outcome. When you consider assisted living you’re looking at maintaining as much independence as possible while also providing the care and safeguards needed.
We love the senior members of our family and we want them to enjoy their older years as much as is reasonably possible. Keep these 8 signs in mind and it will help take some of the emotion out of the decision.
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