3 Signs Your Loved One is Ready for Assisted Living

signs of assisted living

As we age, we sometimes find we need a little more help with the things we used to manage on our own. However, recognizing the need for this extra support isn’t always so easy for seniors and their loved ones to accept, often leaving many to put off having the important conversation about whether it’s time to consider an assisted living community.

Many seniors are hesitant to consider assisted living, often seeing it as a sign they are losing their independence. But in reality, receiving this extra support when they need it can actually help them lead more active, fulfilled lives.

Here are Three Signs Your Loved One is Ready for Assisted Living:

1. They often go days without leaving the house.

Staying social and active is essential to healthy aging. However, it’s not uncommon to hear of seniors who go days or even weeks without leaving their homes. Mobility issues, a lack of safe transportation options, or simply feeling like you have nowhere to go can leave seniors feeling lonely and isolated. Over time, this can increase feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. Some studies have even linked social isolation to an increased risk for developing cognitive decline and depression.

Additional signs of social isolation include a loss of interest in activities and social engagements and little evidence of active friendships. If your loved one shows signs of loneliness and isolation, they may benefit from the easy access to social events and activities an assisted living community can offer.

2. They’ve recently had an accident or fall.

Seniors who have recently had even a minor fall or accident are statistically more likely to suffer a more serious fall in the future. If your loved one has recently been treated for a fall, especially one that occurred in the home, it’s likely that their current living situation is no longer their safest option. Additionally, signs of mobility issues such as struggling to use stairs, using the wall to hold their balance as they walk, or avoiding activities for fear of falling, can also signal a need for a change.

Assisted living communities provide one-floor living options that are designed to be easy for seniors to navigate, as well as walk-in showers, safety bars and more. They can also provide personalized assistance getting to and from various places both in and outside the community, ensuring every resident can stay safe and avoid injuries.

3. They struggle with daily activities.

Struggling with daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, dressing, bathing and remembering to take prescribed medications can all negatively impact both a senior’s self-esteem and overall quality of life. It’s also one of the biggest signs your loved one is ready for assisted living.

An assisted living community can provide the supportive assistance seniors need to lead happy, healthy, more active lives. This could include anything from help getting dressed in the morning, to daily medication reminds, to assistance moving around the community. The services an assisted living community provides are often tailored to each individual resident, their needs and their preferences.

Finding the Right Assisted Living Community

If you notice the above signs in your parent or loved one, it’s time to start having the important conversation about assisted living. However, this is just the first step. Once your loved one is on board, it’s time to find an excellent assisted living community, one where every person has purpose and every individual is valued.

Our free e-book, 5 Signs of a Stellar Assisted Living Community, has the guidance you need to feel confident you’ve chosen the right community, including what to look for and must-ask questions. Click here to learn more and download this free guide.