Deciding to provide care for elderly parents is a decision that most adult children will have to make. Assisted living is a life-changing decision, which provides older adults with the care they require without compromising independence and dignity. Assisted living in Douglasville, GA, provides daily activity support, socialization, and access to health care in a safe and stimulating setting. But when is it appropriate to look into this option for your parent? The following are five considerations to keep in mind.
1. Difficulty with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Being unable to carry out day-to-day activities such as cooking, housekeeping, or bathing is one of the most prevalent signals that assisted living will be needed. These activities, generally classified as ADLs (Activities of Daily Living), are the backbone of daily functioning. Perhaps you’ve noticed your parent skipping meals because cooking feels overwhelming, or their once-tidy home is now neglected. Assisted living communities provide the support they need, such as help preparing meals, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring all daily essentials are met.
2. Increased Social Isolation
Social interaction is vital for emotional and mental health. However, aging can limit the social activity of a parent. They cannot drive anymore, or may not attend parties that they once liked going to before. It results in depression and brain weakening over a period of time. Assisted living homes encourage the residents to participate in group activities, mingle with others, and find out their interests so that the damaging effects of loneliness can be avoided. If you’ve seen your parent withdrawing from their social life, this could be a significant sign it’s time to explore assisted living.
3. Repeated Falls or Loss of Mobility
Falling ranks as one of the leading causes of harm to older adults and can have the consequence of keeping a patient in the hospital or requiring a lengthy recovery. If your parent is still falling, bumping into things, and bruising easily, then it could be the sign of loss of balance or loss of mobility. Safety is a matter of top priority in the assisted living facilities. Assisted living facilities make the risk of falling slim through bathroom grab bars, floor mats with a non-slip surface, and call alert devices – people are also treated immediately if they do fall.
4. Decline in Observed Personal Hygiene
Parents in later life who begin neglecting personal hygiene are highly likely to be faced with physical or psychological issues. It might not be convenience only your parent is showing if he/she is wearing the same outfit a few days in a row, skipping a shower or two, or even neglecting brushing teeth. It might suggest a decline in their level of functioning on these issues. Assisted living caregivers support the residents by providing them with cleanliness and hygiene amenities and care activities so that they can feel confident and self-assured throughout the entire day.
5. Problem with Medications
It can be possible that the elderly find it difficult to swallow the majority of medicines on time, especially when the patient has a loss of memory. Skipping a dose or even intentional overdose could lead to an extremely critical state of medical health. If your elderly parent fails to take their medicine, professional care by assisted living helps in timely intake as per prescription. It avoids mistakes as well as guarantees their better health.
Prioritizing Quality of Life
Seeing these signs does not remove independence from your parent. Assisted living simply adds a balanced amount to their life of care, safety, and independence. If any of these signs are present in your life, have an open conversation with your parent and then talk to a professional about what to do next. Getting in early will make the transition easier and allow your loved one to receive the care they deserve.
