Our U.S. life expectancy is on the rise, jumping to an expectancy of 78.7 years in 2019. This means that we’re living longer than ever, and our general population is steadily growing older.
Time to Get Senior Home
While this increased lifespan can be a great thing, it’s important to remember that older adults still need help with their care, especially as their lives begin to stretch on for longer. A senior home is a viable option, but you may still have found yourself wondering, “Does my parent need assisted living?” or “Should I go into assisted living?”
If that’s the case, a few simple factors can help you decide when it’s time for a senior home. Here’s what you should look out for.
1. Difficulty With Everyday Tasks
As we age, it can grow more difficult to take care of small activities we’re used to doing ourselves. These can include dressing, washing up, or using the bathroom. When a senior begins to struggle with simple everyday tasks, it may be a sign that they’d be better off with regular assistance.
2. Weaker Immune System
Seniors often have a harder time recovering from common sicknesses like colds. A weakening immune system may not seem like much to worry about, but it can be dangerous when a senior catches the wrong sickness. Having someone nearby to help them recover from frequent bouts of colds or flu can be helpful for seniors.
3. Growing Forgetfulness
If you’ve noticed any early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s, like growing forgetfulness, it may be an indication that it’s time to seek options for assisted living. Forgetfulness may be common in older adults, but additional care is still needed to ensure that they stay in good health. This is especially true when the forgetfulness extends to missed meals or medications.
If this sounds familiar, schedule a doctor’s appointment and seek out your provider’s recommendations on the best solutions. Alternatively, check out findcontinuingcare.com senior home for additional support.
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4. Dietary Changes
Older adults may have a harder time cooking in general, and many resorts to preparing only basic meals that need no in-depth food prep.
While this is not something to worry about on its own, it becomes an issue if they can’t keep up with dietary changes they need to make for medical reasons. Sticking to a doctor’s recommended diet for proper nutrition or to allow for a changing digestive system can be crucial. When senior struggles to do this, it may be time for extra support.
5. Isolation
Isolation can be a serious issue for older adults, and it’s not something to overlook. Many seniors live alone, which can impact their ability to connect with others or participate in hobbies.
When this happens, seniors may become depressed, suffering from a low overall quality of life that could be alleviated by best-assisted living care.
Know When It’s Time to Find a Senior Home
Deciding when it’s time for a senior home can be a difficult decision, especially for older adults who hesitate to relinquish their independence. However, the right assisted living facilities can be opportunities for socialization and connection as well as better healthcare, allowing seniors to make the most of their lengthening lifespans. Consider the factors above to know when it’s time to make the leap.
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