How to Decide If It’s Time for Senior Living for Someone You Love

Are you noticing changes in your loved one’s behavior but aren’t sure what to make of it? Sometimes, it’s tough to tell if a senior is in need of some extra support, if he or she is experiencing a temporary issue, or if perhaps it’s time for assisted living.

With that in mind, New Alamo Residence Home takes a look at the concerns that would indicate it’s time for assisted living, as well as how to talk to your loved one if you determine that’s the case. 

Medication Mishaps

With aging often comes chronic health conditions, and because of this, seniors take more medications than any other age group. They often take more than one medication as well, and between memory concerns, waning vision, and complex medication schedules, staying on track can become tricky. They might take too much of something, forget doses, or take their medications at the wrong time. There are some clever solutions, like using pictograms on medication labels and smart medication trackers, yet sometimes seniors still struggle. 

If your loved one shows new symptoms or experiences unusual side effects, or you discover there are unopened pill bottles, Medical Guardian explains these could be signs your senior is not taking their medications properly. And if medications are too unwieldy even after trying various solutions, it might be time for assisted living. 

Financial Fumbles

Unpaid bills, falling for scams, and the inability to cover basic essentials like groceries are a few of the common financial problems that burden older adults. Sometimes, they can be victimized by friends or relatives, and sometimes they miss details such as paying bills on time or the “fine print” in contracts. This can be due to vision impairment, mental decline, or physical issues that make it hard for them to write checks or mail payments.

If you notice issues with money, an assessment is in order. Find out if there is financial damage occurring by asking questions and looking around the house; for example, have creditors or collection agencies started contacting your loved one? Are there unpaid bills? Are account statements and invoices difficult to find or left unopened? You can take steps to become your parent’s legal guardian, but keep in mind that it also might be time to consider assisted living arrangements.

Daily Dilemmas

Writing checks to pay bills and remembering medications are just a couple of the everyday tasks seniors can struggle with due to changes in their bodies and minds. In fact, there are several basics you can evaluate that are referred to as activities of daily living. This includes things like dressing and bathing. Seniors may also have difficulty getting around their home, and you may be worried about fall risks. 

Critical Conversations

No matter how challenging your loved one’s life becomes, broaching the subject of assisted living is a delicate one. Talk through whether an assisted or independent living community is the right fit. Assisted living provides help with activities of daily living, while both assisted living and independent living communities provide a safe environment and a built-in social life. To give them an idea of what life could be like, schedule time to tour New Alamo Residence Home. They can get a close-up view of what a modern community looks like. This will give them a chance to talk to other residents and see in person how beneficial a move can be. 

Having these discussions requires patience and making effective communication a priority. Speak clearly, and make a point to listen. Remember to focus on the positives, such as senior-friendly housing and companionship. Help your loved one understand that it’s not an institutionalized setting, but a homey environment with social support and ongoing opportunities to exercise their independence.

This conversation can open the door to other issues that it’s likely time to discuss. You might need to address legal concerns like power of attorney for healthcare, or whether the will needs to be updated. You should talk about what to do with the house and the tax implications of the decision. 

Planning the Move

Once a move is on the books, it’s critical to help your loved one every step of the way. Decluttering belongings can be an emotionally taxing process, as can saying goodbye to a home they’ve lived in for decades. Assist your loved one in making choices for what to take, and offer to give away gently-used items or beloved treasures to friends and family. You can move your loved one yourself, but to ensure they aren’t overwhelmed on moving day, it’s better to work with professional movers. Dedicated moving experts can make this a quick and easy physical transition, and will certainly make sure your loved one’s belongings are carefully transported. Use a search time like movers near me to zero in on quality companies that get high ratings and stellar reviews. 

Everyone experiences age-related decline eventually. If your loved one appears to be having issues, take a closer look. It might be time to enact solutions, whether simple measures like medication reminders, or something more complex like moving to a senior-friendly environment. Taking those steps will put your mind at ease and mean a better quality of life for your senior.