Have you noticed your loved one experiencing difficulty preparing meals or keeping up with household tasks like laundry or trash removal? Do they struggle with taking medications on time or getting to medical appointments? If so, it may be time to consider senior living options.
Deciding to explore senior living care can be tricky, but there are several signs to watch for that can help make the process easier. Here are 10 common signs it’s time to move to a senior living community.
10 Signs It May Be Time to Consider Senior Living
It can be challenging to determine whether a loved one needs more care or is experiencing normal signs of aging. Answering these questions will help you spot the difference.
1. Is your loved one having trouble bathing regularly and dressing appropriately for the weather? Senior living communities often offer supportive care with bathing, grooming, and dressing. It becomes part of your loved one’s routine, and they no longer have to face the tasks alone.
2. Does your loved one experience isolation? Are they disconnected from friends and family? It can become increasingly difficult to remain connected to loved ones as we age. Family and friends lead busy lives and may even move away from the area. Technology can help maintain relationships, but sometimes it isn’t enough to combat feelings of isolation or loneliness. Senior living provides opportunities for socialization, usually on a daily basis, through programming and activities.
Related: 10 tips to help seniors avoid loneliness >>
3. Are routine household tasks like cleaning, laundry, and dishes overwhelming to your loved one? Physical changes as we get older can make household tasks stressful. It may be harder to go up and down stairs or bend and lift to do laundry or cleaning. Senior living typically offers housekeeping and linen services and usually prepares three meals each day for residents.
4. Does your loved one depend on others for transportation to appointments and social activities? Your loved one may have given up driving or limits driving strictly for necessities only. It can be frustrating to depend on others to take you to appointments and events, and it can also be hard on family and friends to fulfill this obligation. Senior living communities normally have transportation services that can be scheduled for individual appointments. Communities also often plan special group outings to restaurants, plays, and museums.
5. Are home repairs and maintenance becoming too hard or dangerous for your loved one to do on their own? Similar to household tasks, the responsibility of home maintenance can be troubling for seniors. Many things like mowing the lawn, raking leaves, or cleaning gutters can place your loved one at risk of falling. The majority of senior living communities have maintenance-free living options. The staff will handle all interior and exterior residence repairs and upkeep.
6. Has your loved one experienced a decline in health that requires additional care? Whether temporary or long-term, changes in health can affect quality of life. If your loved requires supportive nursing care, senior living can be an option. Often, communities have 24-hour emergency response staff available to residents, which can provide peace of mind to both the resident and their families.
Related: The importance of keeping seniors active >>
7. Have you noticed your loved is unable to keep track of their medications, sometimes forgetting to take them or taking too many? Managing medications can be hard, especially for older adults who have vision impairments or experience cognitive challenges. Senior living care teams generally offer medication management for residents who need assistance. They can make sure your loved one is taking the proper dosage at the right time.
8. Does your loved one have difficulty preparing healthy meals each day, and ensuring adequate nutrition? If you notice moldy food in your loved one’s kitchen or a sudden weight loss, they may not be getting the nourishment they need. Dining services are a benefit of residing in senior living. Most communities prepare three meals each day for assisted living residents. They can also usually accommodate special diets, such as low-sodium or low-carb restrictions.
9. Has your loved one been falling frequently? Do they have trouble walking without assistance or getting in and out of a chair or bed? Falls are common for older adults, but they aren’t a normal part of aging. If your loved one is experiencing frequent falls, it may be due to medication side effects, health conditions or an unsafe environment. Senior living communities strive to provide safe common and residential spaces, free of barriers and trip hazards. Some communities have on-site rehabilitation services that evaluate your loved one’s risk for falls and develop a personalized plan of care to reduce their risk.
Related: Common concerns that seniors have about aging >>
10. Have you observed declining mental health in your loved one? Do they seem sad, or show signs of feeling anxious or depressed? Although it isn’t unusual for older adults to experience depression, clinical depression isn’t a normal part of aging. If you are concerned your loved one is persistently feeling depressed or anxious, it’s important to talk with their physician. Building friendships with peers who are going through similar life changes can be comforting to a senior. They may not feel as alone and benefit from the sense of belonging that senior living can offer.
Life at Golden Bell Senior Living
Ultimately, you want to ensure your loved one is safe and their daily needs are being met. It’s important to prioritize their overall well-being so they experience a high quality of life while maintaining meaningful relationships with others.
Senior living communities like Golden Bell provide the comforts of home with the added benefits of supportive care, engaging activities, and a maintenance-free lifestyle. With your daily needs met, your loved one will live more independently and have opportunities to meet friends, discover new interests, and live each day to the fullest.
Golden Bell Senior Living, family-owned for over five decades, offers a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, and respite care. Residents have personalized care plans, are treated like family, and are greeted by name in a warm, welcoming environment.
Amenities and activities include:
- Beautiful accommodations
- Landscaped grounds and gardens
- Community outings
- Recreation and social activities
- Chef-prepared meals
- Scheduled transportation
- Beauty and barber shop
- Housekeeping and maintenance services
Please contact us to learn more about our communities or set up a tour. We’d love to hear from you and are happy to help answer any questions you have about senior living.
