There is nothing more difficult than watching your parent go from your invincible hero to someone who is elderly and riddled with health issues. Unfortunately, that is something that comes with age, and most people will experience this in their lives. But you might be having trouble figuring out when it's time for a parent to move into an assisted living facility. Here are some signs that the time has come.
Poor Hygiene
Poor hygiene is a sign that your parent is not properly caring for themselves. You can't just assume that you parent has stopped caring because of age. It's more likely due to the fact that they are either forgetting or unable to care for themselves. Things like showering that were once simple daily pleasures could be a difficult task because of balance, joints, a lack of strength, or another health issue.
Sundowning
Sundowning is caused by something known as sundowner syndrome. This is often a characteristic of Alzheimer's. Sundowning is when an elderly person becomes more agitated at night. They might get confused and think that they're hearing things. It's often even worse if a storm hits after dark. The sounds from the storm could confuse the person and make them think something else is going on.
Mobility Issues
One major reason why a lot of elderly people are put into assisted living is because of mobility issues. If your parent is moving more slowly around the home, it's time to start keeping an eye on the mobility. If that is the only issue, you could try stuff that could make their lives more comfortable at home. These things can include a wheelchair accessible ramp, a stair lift, or a walk-in tub. But if it gets to the point that your loved one can't do basic tasks and get around the home with these conveniences, it's probably time to start looking around at different nursing homes.
Unable to Care For the Home
If your parents can't mow the lawn or clean out the gutters, that is completely understandable. It's easy to find someone who will do those tasks for some extra cash. It's when the little things go undone that it becomes a problem. For example, if the home is becoming increasingly filthy on the inside, it's a serious sign that your parents can't take care of themselves. If bills are beginning to go unpaid simply because they can't remember to pay them, this is another serious issue. If they can't care for their home, then they need to move somewhere where they can receive regular help.
Wandering
Wandering is a common occurrence for many elderly people. They go for a walk and then forget where they were going. Sometimes they get confused and suddenly can't recall where they are. It's a scary problem because they can get seriously injured. Even if authorities find them, they might not have identification so they won't know who they are or who to call. If one of your parents is beginning to wander, you should consider an assisted living home to keep them safe.
Loneliness
Social isolation and loneliness isn't a good thing at any age. This is especially a problem if one of your parents has already passed away. The other might not know what to do with themselves and have people to spend time with. Assisted living facilities have common rooms and different games and activities. It can allow your parent to make friends and spend time with people their own age.
Moving a parent into an assisted living facility isn't a betrayal. It's a way to keep your parent safe and happy. It allows them to live comfortably without worrying about cleaning, cooking, bills, medication, or any of the other adult responsibilities. If you have noticed any of these signs, make sure you start looking around different facilities in the area, such as Senior Solutions of Long Island, Inc., to find one that you love.
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