Signs Your Aging Parent Needs Assisted Living
Realizing that your aging parent is no longer safe living on their own is daunting. But it may not be possible to bring them home or move in with them to provide long-term care. The best thing you can do is opt for assisted living for your loved one. Thousands of Americans do it every year and find peace of mind with this option. Get the facility on time so that your parents need not struggle with quality of life or injuries. Here are the signs that your aging parent requires assisted living sooner rather than later.
Inability to manage self-care
When a senior seems to be giving up on self-care, it is the first sign that they need help. Watch out for symptoms such as poor hygiene, unkempt appearance, and sloppy dressing. These indications are even more evident if your loved one has always been conscious about their appearance. Also, take notice of their living space, whether it is neat and well-kept. If not, they need assisted living.
Declining health
A significant number of aging adults in the US suffer from chronic illness. The condition gets worse over the years, and even non-chronic diseases can affect the quality of life. Your parents may find it challenging to handle even basic tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. They may require emergency room visits and hospitalization from time to time. A spurt in these events means that living alone is no longer the best option for them.
Memory loss
Cognitive decline is a normal aging process. A significant loss in memory is a reason to worry for your loved one. Consider signs like forgetting familiar places, not recognizing people, and asking the same questions again and again. Luckily, you can find memory care facilities wherever you live in the country. If your parents reside in Sacramento, look for one that offers memory care in Sacramento along with facilities like senior housing and care. Once your parents are in safe hands, you can rest assured about their well-being regardless of declining memory.
Unexplained weight loss
Another indication that your senior parent needs assisted living is unexplained weight loss. It could be a sign of an underlying disease such as diabetes, cancer, dementia, or depression. The first step is to get a complete medical examination and diagnosis for them. If nothing seems amiss, weight loss could be attributed to an inability to cook or loss of taste and appetite. Caregivers at assisted living facilities go the extra mile with senior nutrition, so your parents will probably get back to normal weight within a short span.
Growing isolation
Isolation can take a toll on senior health, and it becomes painful at some point. It is likely to happen when your aging parent cannot go out due to mobility issues, and you cannot check on them often. Isolation has become even more common in pandemic times. Do not wait if you notice signs like depression and anxiety, as they could aggravate if you let your loved one stay alone.
Your aging parents need all the love and care you can give. Even if you cannot be around physically, make sure you get the best assisted living care for them. It is equally crucial to provide it on time, so follow these signs and act when you need to.