Four Signs it May be Time to Consider Assisted Living for Your Senior Loved One

Author

Senior Care Authority - Pittsburgh Market

For more information about the author, click to view their website: https://seniorcareauthority.com/locations/pittsburgh-pa/

Posted on

Nov 18, 2024

Book/Edition

Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area

It's a difficult decision to make, but sometimes it becomes clear that our older loved ones need more care than we can provide at home. If you're struggling with the decision of whether or not to place your parent or spouse in an assisted living facility, this blog post is for you. Here are some signs that it might be time to start considering assisted living.

1. Are simple activities becoming difficult?

Assisted living facilities are designed to help seniors with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. If your loved one is struggling with any of these activities, it might be time to consider assisted living.

2. Does your loved one have difficulty with living independently?

Another sign that assisted living might be the best option is if your elderly loved one is having difficulty paying bills, getting around to run simple errands, or attending appointments. If getting from point A to point B has become a challenge, assisted living can help. Most facilities offer transportation services for their residents and have services on-site for a variety of needs. 

3. Has there been a decline in your loved one’s hygiene or appearance?

Has your loved one started to neglect their personal hygiene? Are they no longer keeping up with their usual grooming routine? This could be a sign that they need assistance with activities like bathing and dressing.

4. Are you noticing changes in mood or behavior?

Sometimes changes in mood or behavior can be a sign of declining health. Has your usually cheerful loved one become withdrawn or depressed? Do they have sudden outbursts of anger? These changes could be indicative of a larger health issue that might be best addressed in an assisted living facility.

Making the Decision Together

Once you have decided that assisted living is the best option, it’s important to involve your loved one in the decision-making process as much as possible. Let your Senior Care Authority advisor assess their care needs, explain the options, and schedule tours of places that best fit the needs of your family. Include your loved ones in the process as much as possible so they feel that they are part of the decision to choose the next place they will call home.  If possible, try not to wait too long as adaptive skills can decrease with the progression of age or cognitive decline.

Finding the best senior living setting for your loved one can be an overwhelming task, but you don’t have to go through it alone. The experts at Senior Care Authority are here to help! We offer a variety of services designed to help seniors live their best life possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you and your family. 

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