10 Signs That It Might Be Time for Your Loved One to Move Into an Assisted Living Home

Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on November 29, 2016

10 Signs That It Might Be Time for Your Loved One to Move Into an Assisted Living Home

Learn how to identify the potential warning signs that it’s time for a move.

One of the most difficult decisions we face in life is determining whether an aging parent or relative is ready to move into an assisted living facility. Although every situation is unique, looking out for the following signs could help you make the right choice.  

1. Neglecting personal hygiene                                                                                             

Is your loved one looking disheveled and neglecting personal care? You might see your aging relative wearing the same outfit all the time or notice that his clothes are often dirty. You may also find that he is not bathing regularly.

2. Recent accidents

Accidents happen, but as people get older, the odds of them occurring increase. You might start to notice more falls and accidents.

3. Worsening health

If your loved one has a chronic health condition and it’s gradually worsening, he might need extra medical help.

4. Slow recovery from illnesses

Has your loved one recently had a cold or the flu? Was he able to seek medical care and recover with ease, or did the illness worsen?

5. Changes in personality

It’s normal for people to slow down as they age, but if you notice your loved one withdrawing from friends and social activities or giving up his favorite hobbies, it could be a sign that he is feeling depressed and lonely.

If your aging relative rarely leaves the house and doesn’t seem to enjoy past hobbies, it might be time for him to move into a senior living facility and receive mental health treatment, social support, and wellness care. 

6. Changes in eating habits

If a loved one is skipping meals or his kitchen is full of expired, stale, or spoiled food, it could mean that he is struggling with grocery shopping or preparing meals. You might also notice that your aging relative is gaining or losing weight.

7. Driving issues

Is your loved one getting more traffic tickets than usual? Are you noticing unexplained dents or scratches on his car? Is he driving erratically, drifting in and out of lanes, or driving too slowly? These could be signs that it’s time to reduce your loved one’s driving or have him give up those car keys. In the event that he has to give up or limit driving, living in an assisted living facility could be beneficial because all of the care and services that he needs will be under the same roof.

8. Mobility issues

Keep an eye out for mobility issues, such as lack of motor coordination, loss of movement, and loss of balance. Loss of mobility can affect your loved one’s ability to complete daily tasks.

9. Memory loss

Is your loved one asking the same questions over and over? Is he forgetting words or mixing them up? Is he putting things in inappropriate spots, such as placing his house keys in the freezer? If you begin to see any of these symptoms, it’s possible that your loved one could be in the early stages of dementia.

10. Not taking medications as prescribed

Is your loved one remembering to take his meds? Are you noticing expired medicine bottles or unfilled prescriptions in his home? Taking medications is important to your loved one’s health, particularly if he is suffering from a chronic medical condition. If he is taking more than five medications per day, he might need assistance with administering his medication.

While many seniors prefer to live at home, there comes a time when it simply isn’t safe anymore. Making the decision to move your loved one into a senior living facility can be trying. If you’re unable to monitor your loved one closely and ensure his safety, however, assisted living can be a helpful option that gives you peace of mind.

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