If you have an elderly parent, it’s important to look for any signs that he or she is exhibiting to determine if assisted living is the best option as they age. Moving a parent into an assisted living facility is a big decision, but you can make the decision easier for yourself if you know all the important factors that can influence your choice. Here are four ways to tell if it’s time to move an aging parent into an assisted living home.
Mobility Challenges
It’s natural for people to have some difficulties getting around as they age. However, if you notice that your parent is having a particularly difficult time maneuvering, even with the aid of a walker or another mobility device, it might be time to consider assisted living. Severe mobility challenges could increase fall risks and the chances of sustaining other serious bodily injuries. It is not always cost effective or worth the time to update your parents’ home to make it more accessible via walker or wheelchair. A reputable assisted living facility can monitor and assist with your parent’s movements better and will have different pieces of equipment and designs in place to make everyday tasks easier and safer.
Hygiene Practices
Your parent should be able to self-bathe if he or she wishes to live alone outside of an assisted care facility. If showering or taking a bath regularly is proving to be nearly impossible, you should discuss assisted living options with your parent. Your parent should also be able to do laundry so that clean clothes are always available to wear.
Medication Consumption
If your elderly parent is forgetting to take important medications when they’re needed or has trouble taking them unassisted, you should consider assisted living. Another sign to watch for is if your parent is taking the right dosages. Overdoing their prescriptions is just as bad of a sign as if they take their prescriptions too sparingly. Many assisted living care services include setting medication reminders and providing any needed help with taking the medicines.
Cognitive Functioning
Mental capacity often lessens as seniors age, but you should consider assisted living if your parent struggles regularly with memory and other cognitive functions. Increased irritability can be another sign that your parent’s cognitive functioning is worsening. Your parent may even be exhibiting signs of dementia such as frequent confusion and a failing sense of direction, which often necessitate professional attention. Assisted living facilities can not only help in the everyday care of your parents, but also in helping them do activities that will at least slow the deterioration of their cognitive function.
Moving a parent into an assisted living home can sometimes be a difficult decision, but making this choice can also be the best thing that you can do for your aging mother or father. Remember that moving them from independent living to an assisted center will be best for their safety and could even improve their quality of living. Keeping the important factors in mind that will influence your decision will help you as you make your choice on whether assisted living is right for your parent.
