Written By: MKR Senior Health Strategist
Caring about your loved ones is a feeling that lasts a lifetime―striving to do your best to keep your loved ones happy, healthy, and independent. However, as time goes on, it is important to consider the idea that a cherished loved one might be ready to start a different type of lifestyle that better fits his or her needs.
A reputable and experienced senior placement service can be the best way to continue a high quality of living, whether utilizing independent living facilities, assisted living services, or hospice care. But how do you know when your loved one is ready to move into an assisted living situation? There are several key signs to indicate a transition would be beneficial.
Safety Concerns
One of the most important questions to ask yourself if you are considering an assessment for elevated care concerns the safety of your loved one. If new safety issues have arisen, or if small issues have become increasingly worse, it may be time for an evaluation to see if assisted living is the right solution.
• Driving issues. Has your loved one started to become a more dangerous or distracted driver? If the vehicle shows signs of damage or poor maintenance, it is possible that driving has become difficult or even exists as a potential hazard.
• Kitchen mishaps. One common safety hazard for individuals in need of an assessment is the failure to use safe practices in the kitchen. Some kitchen mishaps such as fires or injuries are obvious. Others can be more subtle, such as scorched pots and pans or damaged appliances.
• Frequent falls or injuries. If an individual has been injured more frequently, especially as the result of slips and falls, additional help like the kind found in assisted living facilities might be needed.
Physical and Health Issues
Even with deteriorating health, many individuals are able to live independently or with the help of a visiting nurse. In some cases, signs of a health decline can be subtle; especially when it involves worsening dementia or other cognitive issues. Sometimes a cognitive decline can result in poor personal hygiene. Other times the changes might involve sudden weight loss, sudden weight gain, or becoming weak and frail.
Marked Behavioral Changes
Whether it presents as increased stress, anger, irritability, or increased desire for isolation, major behavioral changes can be a red flag that your loved one needs help outside of the home to increase the quality of life. Significant increases in feelings of loneliness, signs of aggression, lost interest in previous hobbies, and never leaving the house are all signs that it may be time for an evaluation. An environment like assisted living could lead to better mental health outcomes.
Evaluation and Assessment
Show your loved ones how much you care for their well-being by taking the steps necessary to make sure their home environment is a safe and fulfilling one. Finding the best placement situation for your family member does not need to be a daunting task. Conduct an assessment to see what options are recommended and available to your loved one.MKR Senior Health Strategist to set up an evaluation today!