Is it Time for Assisted Living?

Is it time for Assisted Living?

Numerous circumstances can lead to scenarios in which loved ones would benefit from transitioning from home to an assisted living residence. 

For example:

• Is your loved one an active, social person, but finds it hard to get out and visit friends because of physical limitations?

• Would life be easier if they had someone to help when they needed it?

• Have they been alone and fallen with no one to help them?

• Have they become secluded in their own home?

Or perhaps the situation or needs have changed where: 

• Physicians are recommending 24-hour care. 

• Caregiving spouse needs assistive care services for themselves. 

• Widowed spouse is lonely and just doesn’t know what to do.

Other signs that may signal when it’s time to consider assist living:

• Lack of Socialization

  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed such as going to church

  • Showing signs of depression, e.g.  sleeping a lot or crying

• v Fear

  • Ø  Afraid to be alone at night

  • Ø  Changes in the neighborhood

  • Ø  Doesn’t like to drive

  • Ø  Becoming more dependent on family members

• v Safety concerns

  • Ø  Stairs and steps make it more likely to fall

  • Ø  No help nearby if fall or emergency occurs

  • Ø  Difficulty getting in and out of tub or on and off of toilet

  • Ø  Difficulty performing daily activities

• v Personal hygiene suffering

  • Ø  Laundry and housekeeping becoming a burden

  • Ø  Not bothering to clean the house, clothes or themselves

• v Memory loss

  • Ø  Repeating questions or statements, multiple phone calls with same questions 

  • Ø  Forgetting to do things they once did like paying bills, balancing checkbook

  • Ø  Leaving the stove on, frequently misplacing items

• v Medication concerns

  • Ø  Forgetting to take medications, missed dosages or taking more than required

  • Ø  Running out of medications or not properly ordering meds from the pharmacy

  • Ø A lot of expired medications around.