Hillcrest Country Estates Grand Lodge

There are many reasons why seniors stay in their homes longer than necessary. It is often sad for a senior to think about leaving the family home, so they may not want to talk about it with others. However, some signs can make assisted living or other care a necessity earlier than expected. If you are concerned about a loved one living alone and adequately caring for themselves or you are a caregiver who believes it is time for a change, here are some common signs that it may be time for them to move into assisted living.1.Recent FallsFalls are a common problem with seniors, but they can be particularly dangerous in the home. If your loved one is having frequent falls and its difficult for them to get help when theyre injured, then this might indicate that assisted living would be necessary at this time.2.Chronic or Worsening Health ProblemsAs we get older, our bodies change and develop chronic health conditions. These make us more susceptible to falling sick and staying unwell for more extended periods. When your loved one requires 24-hour care due to their medical needs, it may be beneficial for them if you find an assisted livingresidence that has the resources needed to meet these ongoing requirements.3. Difficulty Completing Daily ActivitiesIf your loved one cant complete the basics of their daily care, such as cooking for themselves or doing their laundry, consider assisted living. Living in a community where cooking and cleaning are provided leaves more time to focus on socializing with friends or doing things they enjoy.4. Poor Hygiene or Eating HabitsSomeone who isnt taking care of themselves might start to feel distressed and experience changes in their hygiene, diet, or physical activity. For example, without good personal habits like bathing regularly, someone may get sick more often due to poor sanitation practices. Likewise, malnutrition can likely develop over time without basic cooking skills if they cannot prepare meals for themselves. Supportive environments such asHillcrests assistedresidences will meet the needs of your loved one at every step of the aging journey.5. Isolation and SadnessIf your loved one is displaying symptoms of depression and feeling alone, it may be time to start a conversation about assisted living. Assisted living residences offer activities that promote social interaction for people who are still active but need extra help with specific tasks or want companionship in their daily lives.6. Aggression Some studies have indicated that people with dementia often act more aggressively than usual due to confusion. The Alzheimers Association explains that moving these individuals into an assisted living residence may help them. It lets professionals monitor and care for the individual as needed; some of these communities, such as Hillcrest Silver Ridge, Hillcrest Mable Rose or Hillcrest Country Estates Grand Lodge, provide specialized memory care programs expressly tailored to those suffering from cognitive decline.8. Worsening Mobility If your loved one has trouble walking or cannot get up and down stairs without help, they may want to consider home renovations to enable aging in place. However, renovations are usually costly and often it would make sense to move them to an assisted living residence to ensure their safety.9. Wandering OffIf youre worried about your loved one wandering off and getting lost, do not wait until something serious happens. Safety and security should be a top priority and are provided in a secure assisted living residence with 24-hour staffing.10. Caregiver BurnoutYour ability to care for your older adult diminishes when stress levels are too high. Burnout can happen from being stressed about the added responsibility and hard work, which can significantly affect your health and well-being. When that happens, you may not be able to take on their responsibilities anymore safely.Is it Time for Assisted Living?It can be hard to acknowledge that your aging loved one needs more extensive care, and it may also be difficult to recognize you cannot give them the care they need. However, if you are concerned about their safety, health, or happiness, remember assisted living might help.At Hillcrest, we aim to provide aging adults with an environment in which they can enjoy their retirement, enhance their lifestyle, live with dignity, and remain as independent as possible.