10 Signs That Tell You When to Move to an Assisted Living Facility

It is natural for our bodies to change as we age. Also, there comes a time when our minds also start losing some of the clarity. If this is the case with your loved one, who may be finding it difficult even to carry on with daily tasks, it might be time to start looking for an assisted living facility.

Moving into an assisted living facility is one decision that might seem too tough. You don’t want to leave your loved one alone and make them say goodbye to the life they have been living all along. Nevertheless, if this decision is going to give them a comfortable and safe life, you have to make it. Here are a few signs that will tell you when you need to make that decision:

Your Loved One is Living Alone and Needs Assistance

An assisted living might be your best option if your loved one is living alone and is in need of help. At such a facility, your loved ones can get all the assistance they need with their daily activities, minimizing their stress. They will get care and supervision round the clock, which would be great especially for someone who is recovering from a severe injury or illness.

Food Preparation Seems Stressful and Cumbersome

The process of food preparation is no doubt time-consuming; but if you don’t have the required physical strength, this activity can also seem strenuous. Most older people, especially those with arthritis, experience this stress, as they can’t bend and reach out or lift heavy items. Living in an assisted living facility might take this stress off them, since they will be free from the responsibility of preparing their meals.

Your Loved One Often Forgets to Take Medicines

Forgetting to take your regular medication, too often, may be a sign to move into an assisted living facility. Some older people may even forget what medicine they need to take, where they have stored such medication in the house, or when they have to take it. It might still be ok if there are friends or family members who can constantly remind them. However, if this is not the case, they may need the comfort and safety of an assisted living facility.

Your Loved One Needs Healthcare Supervision

If your loved one is dealing with an underlying health concern that needs constant supervision which you cannot provide, it might be a good idea to shift them to an assisted living facility. Not doing so, might lead to a number of issues such as fatigue, drowsiness, or even a fall because of not meeting the essential nutritional requirements.

Your Loved One Feels Lonely Most of the Time

Companionship is something every human being needs, throughout his or her life. Without anybody, life can seem very stressful. Eventually, you may find the quality of your life taking a downward turn. This is how most seniors who live alone feel. They miss their loved ones, who may not have the time to spend time with them. As such their isolation starts taking control of their lives. Moved to an assisted living facility, they will be around many such people who might enjoy their company.

Domestic Responsibilities Seem Overwhelming

Forgetting things is very common in old age. People start forgetting where they kept their keys and losing track of time. They may need to put in extra effort to manage their usual domestic responsibilities such as buying milk or groceries, paying their usual bills, or taking pills. Going ahead, they may even find it difficult to do their laundry or dishes, or practice basic hygiene. Before it turns any more pathetic, it may be better to move them into an assisted living facility.

Your Loved One’s Well-being and Safety are at Risk

Being independent starts becoming more and more difficult as you age. You want to make sure your loved one has all the resources that will keep them healthy and safe. Most assisted living facilities provide all such resources with assistance. You can rest assured that your loved one is in safe hands.

Worsening Health Issue

Moving into a nursing facility might be your best option, if the medical condition of your loved one has been worsening. This is true especially if the condition is chronic and might require medications, treatments, and frequent doctor visits. Watch out for symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. If you find any and if they start becoming severe, start looking out of residential care centers where they can get specialized care.

Sudden Loss of Weight

This could be a cause of worry for many. Loss of appetite may not be due to old age; there could be an underlying medical condition that might need attention. Even something like dementia might make it difficult for a person to chew and swallow food. Or they might go into a state of depression and lose interest in eating. Many diseases such as ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, pancreatitis, diverticulitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that affect the digestive tract might cause a loss of appetite. The same thing applies to certain medical treatments such as cancer treatments.

Significant Loss of Memory

Although memory loss is normal while aging, a significant loss of memory could be a sign of dementia, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, or any brain-related disorder. Things may not change overnight; but they can become pronounced with time. You might not want your loved one to reach this stage, when they can have access to the care they deserve. And that is a good nursing facility.

The Bottom Line

With lots of options, it may not be too difficult to find an assisted living facility for your loved one. However, it is always better to check out a few and compare the facilities offered, to ensure your loved one will get to live with the respect and dignity that they deserve. It is also important that they are covered through proper health insurance. Get in touch with a few health insurance providers through health insurance live transfer leads.

Author writes for Heritus. A mortgage live transfers generation company in New York, US.