As we age, daily activities we once took for granted naturally become a little more difficult, and residential assisted living can offer the perfect balance of independence and support.
Assessing whether it’s time to look for a residential assisted living community in Hendersonville for you or your loved one can be tricky. Here are a few key signs that it could be beneficial, for both them and you.
1. They’re struggling with mobility or having frequent accidents.
Decreased mobility is a natural consequence of aging, but when this starts to become hazardous or interfere with your loved one’s independence, it may be time to consider moving them into a safer environment.
For example, if they’re suffering frequent falls or having difficulties in navigating their home’s stairs, residential assisted living could be the perfect solution.
Assisted living communities are structured to help those with decreased mobility live as independently and safely as possible, with around the clock care on hand for emergencies.
2. They’re finding it hard to take care of themselves.
If you’ve noticed your parent or relative is struggling with body odor or other signs that they’re not regularly bathing, it’s important to address this. Decreased personal hygiene can not only be stressful for them but puts them at an increased risk of infections.
Residential assisted living communities offer dignified help with personal care like bathing, dressing, and toileting to help your loved one live as happily and healthily as possible.
3. Their moods are becoming more erratic, and they often forget things.
Cognitive and emotional decline is common during aging, and this can lead to frustration or even aggressive outbursts. If you’ve noticed your loved one struggling with their moods or becoming increasingly forgetful, residential assisted living may be a safer option for the both of you.
4. Their health problems are becoming more complex.
However much you would like to be there for your parent or loved one 24/7, this usually isn’t a realistic option. If their medical needs are becoming increasingly demanding and you feel you can no longer cope on your own, it may be time to explore the possibility of assisted living.
If they have been taking care of their own medical needs, warning signs like stashes of unused medication may indicate they’re no longer able to manage their health conditions alone.
5. They’re craving socialization and companionship.
As we age, getting out and about to the social events we once enjoyed isn’t always as easy. Perhaps your loved one can’t attend the things they used to, or perhaps many of their friends have passed away.
Companionship is vital for mental health, no matter what age we are. Moving to a residential assisted living community can allow your loved one to make new, strong friendships, socialize and take part in hobbies without having to worry about transport or mobility.
6. They’re struggling to keep up with daily errands.
Perhaps you’ve noticed that their refrigerator is often empty, or that they’re not managing to keep up with paying their bills.
Difficulties in attending to tasks like grocery shopping and household management are signs that your loved one may benefit from residential assisted living.
Most assisted living facilities provide daily nutritious, hot meals, and utilities are included within the basic fee, allowing your relative to live free from the burden that daily tasks may have become.
7. You’re feeling the strain.
If you’re currently responsible for looking after your loved one, it’s only natural that things may eventually feel a little too much. Juggling their care with our own families and jobs can be taxing, particularly if their needs are becoming greater.
Many adult children taking care of their parents in old age feel burned out and torn between providing the 24/7 care they wish they could and attending to other responsibilities and commitments.
Deciding to move your parent into residential assisted living could well be the perfect solution for both of you. Knowing that they are safe will grant you the peace of mind you need, while allowing them to live happily and healthily surrounded by new friends and attentive, professional caregivers.
At New Hope, we understand that making the decision to move to residential assisted living isn’t always straight-forward or easy for you or your loved one. It can be difficult to acknowledge you can no longer provide the right care on your own, and equally as hard to realize they cannot take adequate care of themselves.
If you’re noticing any of the warning signs above in your parent or loved one, or are feeling burned out in your role as their primary caregiver, residential assisted living could be the ideal solution for you both.
Opting for a home like ours will allow your loved one to live as independently as possible, while granting you the peace of mind that they’re safe, well and surrounded by a supportive community each day.
To learn how we can support you and your loved one, call or contact us today!