8 Signs It’s Time to Consider Assisted Living

8 Signs It’s Time to Consider Assisted Living

In the United States, only 2% of people over the age of 65 live in assisted living facilities. However, there are likely many more people who should consider living in assisted living centers to help with their health problems.

Do you want to learn more about finding care for seniors and the benefits of assisted living? Keep reading these 8 signs that it’s time to consider assisted living for your older relatives.

1. Frequent Accidents

One of the biggest signs that your loved one may need to consider living in nursing homes is that they have frequent accidents. As people age, they are more likely to lose their balance and fall. In fact, according to the CDC, about 36 million seniors in the United States fall each year.

These falls result in over 30,000 deaths each year.

If your loved one has frequent accidents, it may mean that they are unable to live on their own. When you notice increased accidents or other injuries, make sure you find your loved one proper care.

2. Medical Conditions That Are Difficult to Manage

Another common reason that people need to find options for assisted living is when they have medical conditions that are difficult to manage. These conditions may require professional care or may be worsening.

For example, many seniors begin experiencing memory difficulties as they age. Whether these are diagnosed medical conditions, like dementia or Alzheimers, they may also just be a result of old age. However, if these problems worsen, you likely need the help of a medical professional.

Many assisted living centers or nursing homes offer memory care that is dedicated to patients with these memory issues. Regardless of the medical conditions your loved one faces, the employees at assisted living centers are trained to help.

3. Difficult to Meet Personal Needs

If your loved one is unable to deal with or meet their personal needs, it is time for them to live in an assisted living center. For example, if they are unable to walk on their own, dress on their own, or even make food for themselves, it means that they need someone to take care of them.

It is also important to find an assisted living center for your loved one if you are unable to meet your own personal needs. If you are so busy taking care of your loved one that you are unable to take care of yourself, you need to find professional help for them.

4. Your Loved One Wanders off

Often, older adults with memory problems have a hard time understanding where they are and they may wander off. This can cause many dangerous situations and they may not be able to find their way home.

This is a common symptom of dementia and Alzheimers. While you can try to prevent this with door and window alarms and other preventative measures, it is difficult to keep your older relatives safe when they are prone to wandering away.

If you notice this behavior in a loved one, it may be time to find a new approach for them.

5. Declining Health

Declining health is a common problem for elderly adults and may mean they need to live in an assisted living center where they can get the proper care. For example, many older adults suffer from strokes, injuries from falls, and more. While you can try to help them in their own home, some conditions require much more care.

When you get help from assisted living centers, your relatives will be treated by professionals who can help them with their increasing health problems.

6. Your Loved One Is Isolated

When older adults are isolated, it becomes more difficult for them to complete daily tasks. It can lead to health issues, anxiety, and more.

There are many reasons why older adults may feel isolated. Maybe they are unable to attend events because they are unable to travel or drive. If their spouse has passed away, it is easy for them to feel lonely.

Regardless of the cause of their isolation, it can create many problems for your loved ones. By bringing them to an assisted living center, they will have much more interaction and care than they are provided at home.

7. You Are Unable to Deal With Other Responsibilities

As a caretaker, you may feel like you are unable to take care of your other responsibilities when you are caring for a loved one. When you are unable to deal with other aspects of your life because you are taking care of an older relative, it is a sign that they need to find an assisted living center.

8. Nursing Home Care May Be Less Expensive

Finally, finding a nursing home or assisted living center may be less expensive for your loved one. When they have professional caregivers coming to their homes, the prices can skyrocket. For example, many elderly people may require at-home physical therapy appointments, a house cleaner, or even a home nurse to take care of them.

If these prices are getting out of hand, you can save potentially save money in assisted living centers.

Find Assisted Living Centers Today

It can be a difficult choice to move your loved one into an assisted living center. However, it may be necessary. Whether your loved one has worsening medical conditions or if you are simply unable to provide the care that they need, it is vital that you find a reliable assisted living center to help!

If you are looking for a great assisted living center, NursingMore can help! Our website offers reviews of nursing homes and we can help you find a great center for your older relatives. Contact us today to learn more!