How to Know If My Parent Needs Assisted Living

Your mother or father is getting older. And you think they may require help taking care of themselves? So, is it time to make a decision? Here’s how to know if your parent needs assisted living.

 

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living facilities provide home-like residential services. In other words, your parent will move out of their current home and into an apartment or shared living quarters. However, unlike nursing homes, assisted living facilities usually don’t include extensive medical care. Instead, they focus on supporting residents with activities of daily living such as personal care, meal preparation, housekeeping and laundry. Most assisted living facilities also offer 24-hour emergency care and medical monitoring as well as social and recreational activities.

 

Top Signs Your Parent Needs Assisted Living

  • They Aren’t Taking Care of Personal Grooming
    Most of us don’t think about the time we spend on personal grooming. Nevertheless, these basic tasks often become more difficult with age. For example, an older person may struggle with getting in and out of the bathtub, fixing their hair, and/or doing laundry. Therefore, be aware if your parent isn’t bathing, shaving, combing their hair, and/or changing/washing their clothes.
  • They Can’t Prepare Their Own Meals
    Your parent may have lost interest in cooking, or the task simply has become overwhelming. Look for unusual weight loss or weight gain (if they only are eating junk food). Other signs include spoiled items in the refrigerator, dirty dishes everywhere, and/or a lack of food.
  • They Frequently Forget to Take Their Medication
    When an older person forgets to take their medication, it can turn into a dangerous situation. Some people benefit from using pill organizers. Yet, if despite your best efforts this doesn’t work, you and your parent probably require additional support.
  • Their House Is Falling into Disrepair
    If your parent is having trouble caring for themselves, they most likely are having trouble caring for their house too. Is their yard overgrown? Are their bathrooms dirty? Do the floors need to be vacuumed or scrubbed? Are the repairs piling up? Have you discovered overdue bills? These all are areas of concern especially if your parent always kept a spotless house.
  • They Are Lonely
    Many people would prefer to grow old in their own homes, but this isn’t the right decision for everyone. Even if your older parent has lots of visitors, chances are, they’ll be alone for extended periods. Plus, many people require more social interaction. In fact, studies suggest seniors, “live longer and have more fulfilled lives” in retirement communities. Thus, if your parent seems sad, depressed, and/or isolated, assisted living may be a better choice.

 

Do You Need Help Finding Appropriate Care for Your Aging Parent?

If you recognize your parent in the descriptions above, it’s time to make a change. Depending on your situation, you may want to consider a nursing home, assisted living or home care. And if you’re looking for additional advice, Anodyne would be happy to help! We place in-home care professionals with families throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Or we can connect you with appropriate long-term care facilities. Contact us today to learn more!