10 Signs that You Should Consider a Move to Assisted Living

Many families choose to look after an elderly loved one when they need assistance. Providing care is a wonderful way of paying back everything our parents or grandparents have done for them.

However, as people age, they become increasingly reliant on us for support with what is known as the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). These activities include bathing, grooming, meal prep, housekeeping, and much more, creating a demanding and time-consuming caregiving situation for you.

Caregiving responsibilities become compounded if your relative is diagnosed with a cognitive condition such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, in which case the person will have specialized care needs.

It can become a struggle for families who want the best care for their loved ones but aren’t sure they can provide it themselves anymore. Assisted Living and Memory Care (for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia) are viable options to ensure that people receive the right level of ongoing care.

As a Senior Living Advisor on Long Island (Mike McClernon, 516-254-9481), many families ask me when the best time is to place their relatives in these communities. The truth is that the time is different for everyone, but here are 10 signs to watch for that might suggest calling me to help with placement would be a wise move for your family:

Their care needs exceed what you can provide

As people age and begin to decline in health, mobility, and mental acuity, they begin to require specialized care needs that may be beyond your ability to deliver. Assisted Living Communities are staffed with trained professionals who can provide optimal care to ensure your loved one is comfortable and well looked after.

They seem overwhelmed by daily tasks

Older adults or people who are ailing sometimes have difficulty performing tasks they once carried out effortlessly, such as vacuuming, dusting, cleaning the bathroom, laundry, and more. Living in unsanitary or unhealthy conditions can lead to many health issues, so a move to Assisted Living where these services and more are provided would be prudent.

They are in and out of the hospital

Repeated hospitalizations can take a physical and emotional toll on your entire family. Many Assisted Living communities offer continuing care by trained healthcare professionals in a comfortable onsite setting, some on a 24/7 basis. This eliminates the need for frequent hospitalizations.

They take their medications incorrectly

Incorrect or missed doses of medication can be dangerous. Assisted Living Communities offer prescription and non-prescription medication management to bring peace of mind to families and protect the health of their loved ones.

They aren’t accessing proper nutrition

Many older people have mobility issues or a lack of energy that prevents them from going out to shop for healthy food. They might also not be motivated to cook nutritious meals, especially if they live alone. Assisted Living communities’ dining rooms serve residents a diverse menu of fresh, healthy meals customizable to their personal needs, tastes, or requirements.

They’re neglecting their hygiene

Some seniors may start to neglect healthy hygienic habits such as bathing, brushing teeth, washing hair, and shaving. Family members may feel uncomfortable helping their loved ones in these areas. Assisted Living staff are trained to provide support with these daily tasks while maintaining the older adult’s dignity and self-respect, leaving them feeling comfortable, refreshed, and happy.

They’ve become isolated from others

As people age, illness, mobility issues, or boredom can prevent them from seeing friends or participating in activities they enjoy. Assisted Living Communities offer ample socialization opportunities with movie nights, fitness classes, game nights, and more with new friends who share the same interests.

They act aggressively toward others

Due in part to cognitive decline, some older people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia tend to behave violently or aggressively. This is a dangerous situation that is emotionally taxing and puts people at risk of injury. Memory Care personnel are trained to de-escalate situations with empathy and support, keeping everyone safe.

They’ve begun to wander

Wandering is a dangerous habit common among people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Sneaking away unaccompanied puts the person at risk of becoming lost or injured. This risk is heightened if they attempt to drive. You can’t be expected to monitor someone 24/7, so if wandering becomes a concern, Memory Care offers enhanced security features that ensure residents are safe and accounted for at all times.

Caregiving is impacting your mental and physical health

Caring for an elderly loved one is hard work. As their needs increase, the demands on you will also increase. You may get to the point where providing care starts to affect your mental or physical health, leaving you exhausted, depressed, and disconnected from the outside world. This is a sign that it’s time to take the responsibilities off your shoulders and place your loved one into Assisted Living. You can still visit and participate in their care plan. At the same time, you can enjoy spending time with your relative instead of concentrating on providing care.

I understand that placing an older loved one in Assisted Living or Memory Care might leave you feeling guilty about not continuing to provide care. However, take heart that your ability to provide adequate care might not meet their needs over time, which can be frustrating for everyone involved.

In my experience, the transition to Assisted Living or Memory Care is always a positive experience for families and the older person they love.

No-Cost Help Finding Senior Living Communities on Long Island

When it’s time to place an elderly loved one in Assisted Living, Memory Care, or Independent Living with a Senior Living Community on Long Island, families turn to Mike McClernon of Assisted Living Locators.

Mike has collaborated with hundreds of families just like yours to help find the most appropriate living arrangements where older people will thrive during their vintage years. Mike’s team will ensure that you have all the information you need to make the most informed choice possible.

Contact Mike today at 516-254-9481 or mikem@assistedlivinglocators.com to explore Senior Living Community options for the older person in your life. His phone is always on!