How Do I Know If Mom Needs Assisted Living?

Posted on

Jan 31, 2017

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As a nurse in the assisted living industry, one of the top questions I get from families is How do I know if my parent is doing OK at home alone? It is such an important question and one that often gets overlooked until there is a medical event or emergency that prompts families to make a quick decision. Recognizing the early signs that your loved one may need more help can help to preserve their independence for as long as possible. If you are concerned about the well being of an elderly parent or loved one, look for these signs on your next visit to determine whether its time to suggest a more supportive living arrangement:
1. Signs of isolation or depression. Find out if they are spending time with friends, getting out of the house enough, still finding hobbies and activities to hold their interest.
2. Noticeable weight loss, increased frailty, changes in appearance
3. Expired, discontinued or duplicate medications and prescription bottles
4. Expired food, signs of a kitchen fire, a freezer full of microwavable dinners, multiples of the same item, broken or unused appliances
5. Excess clutter, grubby bathrooms, dried spills and other signs that housekeeping is becoming too much
6. Lots of unopened mail, past due bills, letters from creditors, or evidence of donations to charities.
7. Dashboard warning lights, dents in their car or signs of impaired driving

Most often, seniors and families feel the time is right for assisted living when there are signs of isolation or loneliness, if safety is an issue such as the potential for a medication error or a high risk of falling, or if proper nutrition becomes a concern.

Assisted Living communities offer healthful homemade meals, medication management, daily entertainment, learning opportunities and events, 24-hour personal care assistance, an independent apartment, plus no more shoveling snow, no yard maintenance, no plumbers, electricians, or roofers. The safe, secure and social environment of assisted living can preserve a seniors independence and provide family members peace of mind.

If you have questions about assisted living, Senior Living Residences offers a family resource guide that can aid in your research process, help sort out financial issues, and provide the information you need so that you can make the best decision for your family.

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This article was written by Nancy Crowley, RN, BS, Director of Quality Improvement and Education at Senior Living Residences and former executive director at Concord Park Senior Living.

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