As their parents age, many families take on elder care duties - including caring for parents or another loved one in the family. It's a wonderful way of paying back everything our parents have done for them.
However, caring for older people can be demanding and time-consuming, especially when they need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, grooming, meal prep, and housekeeping. Eldercare responsibilities become compounded if the person is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
There may come a time when it's best to transition the older adult out of their home and into Assisted Living or Memory Care (designed specifically for people in cognitive decline due to dementia). However, how will you know when it's time to do that?
Here are 12 signs that a move to full-time Assisted Living or Memory Care would be a wise move for everyone concerned:
1. Their care needs exceed what you can provide
When your elderly loved one begins to decline in health, mobility, and mental acuity, they might have specialized care needs beyond your ability to deliver. Assisted Living facilities are staffed with trained healthcare professionals who can provide optimal care 24/7, ensuring that your loved one is comfortable and well looked after.
2. They are in and out of the hospital
ill, frequently-hospitalized older adults might require 24-hour care by trained healthcare professionals. Many Assisted Living facilities can provide this level of medical support, eliminating the physical and emotional toll that repeated hospitalizations can take on the entire family.
3. They take their medications incorrectly
Errors in properly taking medication can be dangerous. Assisted living communities provide help with medication management and many other healthcare services that bring peace of mind to families.
4. They seem overwhelmed by daily tasks
Daily tasks that they once performed effortlessly, such as laundry, cleaning the bathroom, and making the bed might get more complicated or stressful for older adults as they age or are ailing. Living in unsanitary or unhealthy conditions can lead to mental and physical ailments, so a move to Assisted Living where all of these services and more are provided would be prudent.
5. They don't have access to proper nutrition
Many seniors have mobility or energy issues that can hamper efforts to shop for healthy food. They also might not be motivated to cook healthy meals, especially if they live alone. Assisted Living communities give residents access to a diverse menu of fresh, healthy meals customizable to their personal needs, tastes, or requirements.
6. They're neglecting their hygiene
Sometimes, older people may begin neglecting good hygiene habits such as bathing, brushing teeth, washing hair, and shaving due to physical limitations or forgetfulness. These habits are essential for maintaining comfort and well-being, but it may be uncomfortable for family members to assist in these areas. Assisted Living facilities offer assistance with all areas of hygiene while maintaining the older adult's dignity and self-respect, leaving them feeling refreshed and happy.
7. They've become isolated
Especially if they live alone, many older adults may become bored and disinterested in social activities. Illness or mobility issues can also prevent them from seeing friends or participating in activities they enjoy, leading to loneliness and depression. Assisted Living facilities offer ample socialization opportunities right outside their front door with movie nights, fitness classes, game nights, and more.
8. They've begun to wonder
Wandering is common with people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Sneaking out of the house unaccompanied puts the older adult at considerable risk of becoming lost or injured. This risk is heightened if someone attempts to drive. It's hard to monitor someone in their home around the clock, so Memory Care needs to be considered when wandering becomes a concern. These facilities feature enhanced security features that ensure residents are safe and accounted for at all times.
9. They exhibit aggressive behavior
Some older people, often those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, tend to behave violently or aggressively. This is a dangerous situation that is emotionally taxing and puts people at risk of injury. Assisted Living community staff is trained to de-escalate situations with empathy and support, keeping everyone safe.
10. Caregiving impacts your mental and physical health
Caring for an elderly loved one is a noble, selfless act. However, when it starts to affect your mental or physical health, leaving you exhausted, depressed, and disconnected from your family, friends, and activities you enjoy, it's time to think about a move to Assisted Living. You can still visit and participate in their care plan while they're in Assisted Living, which helps take care of your own well-being at the same time.
11. In-home care has become expensive
Many families opt to have elder care services brought into their loved one's home to provide support. However, as your loved one ages, especially if they're diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, their care needs will increase, which will increase your costs. This is the time to compare the prices of keeping the older person at home vs. living in an Assisted Living or Memory Care community. You might find that the value offered in Assisted Living outweighs any advantages provided by in-home caregiving.
12. Their doctor recommends Assisted Living
Your loved one's primary care physician will provide insight and advice that will bring comfort and peace of mind if you're unsure about the move to Assisted Living. Your older relative may also be more welcoming about the decision to move if their healthcare professional thinks the transition is a good idea.
Moving an older loved one to an assisted living facility can be a difficult choice to make. You might feel guilty about not continuing caring for your parents and wonder if they'll thrive in their new setting. However, consider that you won't be able to provide them with adequate care as their needs increase or when your own health is being affected by providing elevated levels of care.
When you're in one or more of the above scenarios, transitioning to Assisted Living or Memory Care is a wise move for your entire family.
No-Cost Help with finding Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities in the Greater Cincinnati Area
The search for the most appropriate Assisted Living or Memory Care community can be overwhelming, especially when doing it alone or for the first time. Talk to David Flautt of Assisted Living Locators of Greater Cincinnati to make the entire process easier.
David takes the time to get to know your loved one's situation, answer all of your questions, and present a list of the best-matched Senior Living Communities in the Greater Cincinnati Area. David or one of his team will even accompany you on your community tours to ensure that all the right questions are answered so you can make the most informed choice possible.
Contact David at 513-914-1980 or davidf@assistedlivinglocators.com to start finding the best senior living services for your elderly loved one today.
