Is now the right time to start talking about assisted living? Learn the top ten signs you should be looking out for when it comes to the safety of your loved one.
When is it time for assisted living?
- Driving
Don’t ignore near misses, fender benders, new dents or nicks. Request a ride to assess your loved one’s current driving skills. - Appearance
Poor grooming or hygiene, like unwashed or uncombed hair and stained clothing, might mean a little assistance is needed. - Activities
Watch for loss of interest in favorite pastimes. Giving up things that were once important may be a red flag. - Moods
Frequent bouts of irritability, moodiness, depression or fatigue are always symptoms worth discussing. - Mobility
To avoid the risk of falls and fractures, watch to see if your loved one is more unsteady when walking, has recently fallen or now has difficulty with stairs. - Medications
Be on the lookout for empty or expired medicine bottles, unfilled prescriptions or confusion about proper dosage and medication times. - Maintenance
Sloppy housekeeping or a neglected yard may reveal that your loved on isn’t faring as well at home alone anymore. - Food
Check the fridge and cupboards. Look for food that’s old or spoiled-from past-due expiration dates to moldy leftovers and sour milk. - Finances
When unopened mail, unpaid bills and overdue notices stack up, it may raise concerns about how financial matters are being managed. - Forgetfulness
It’s not just a natural part of aging when parents forget important appointments, repeat things constantly or frequently lose their sense of direction.
You’re invited to schedule a personal visit to explore all of your interests and needs and to see the aspects of our community that are most important to you!
