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No matter how hard we try to fight it, we all have to go through the aging process. If you have a parent who has reached their golden years, they may begin losing mobility and cognitive function, which can be alarming. If you’re unable to be a full-time caregiver for your parent, it may be time to think about senior assisted living options. To help you tell when it’s time for a loved one to move into an assisted living facility, here are five signs to look out for.
Forgetfulness
While many of us become forgetful as we get older, if your parent is forgetting appointments, not taking medication when they should, or forgetting to switch off the gas on the stove, these are causes for concern that mustn’t be ignored. You may find that your parent needs additional supervision if they are becoming forgetful. Also, memory loss is a common sign of dementia, so don’t delay in seeking help and support.
Change in Behavior
If your parent has always been known as a friendly, loving character, you will know within an instant if something is up with their behavior. Your loved one may start to become aggressive or agitated at the littlest things. Understandably, this can be emotionally disturbing for you and other family members, which is why it may be time to seek out an assisted living St Louis MO facility like McKnight Place.
Falls
As your loved one enters their senior years, they may begin having mobility problems. This means that, should they fall, they may struggle to get back on their feet. If your parent lives alone, the thought of them falling will obviously be a huge concern of yours. Frequent falls are a major sign that it’s time to look at assisted living. If your loved one isn’t quite ready to make the move, you should consider purchasing a medical alert system that will notify you if they have had a fall.
Poor Personal Hygiene
If your parent is not taking care of themselves like they normally would, poor personal hygiene is another sign it’s time for assisted living. This could be because your loved one is struggling to bathe, which can put them at a heightened risk of infection, as well as increase the chances of emotional and mental decline.
Cluttered Home
While some of us are clean freaks, others may not mind a bit of mess. However, if you’ve recently visited your parent’s home and see that things are messy and cluttered, it could be because they’ve forgotten to clean. Too much clutter is bad for your loved one’s physical and mental health, not to mention the fact that it can be a fire hazard. The clutter could be a sign of memory issues which must be addressed, as your parent may require professional assistance.
Although it can be difficult to see your parent lose a sense of their independence, when it comes to keeping their health and wellbeing in check, it may make sense for them to go into assisted living. That way, you can be assured that they’re receiving quality round-the-clock care for their every need.
