As loved ones age, it can be difficult to know what direction they should go with their care and general living situation. Conversations about moving into nursing homes or assisted living facilities can be difficult, and not knowing when the right time might be can present a daunting and emotional situation for everyone involved. Your aging grandparent, parent, or other loved one might not be ready to give up their independence, but there might very well be factors at play that make it difficult or even unsafe for your loved one to continue living on their own.
The important thing to bear in mind is the fact that the health and safety of your loved one is of the utmost importance. However, since you aren’t with them at all times, it can be tough to get a good sense for what their current status on that front may be. The fact of the matter is that if you are starting to have concerns, then it is worth having the conversation and exploring your options.
Here are four things that might indicate that it may be the right time to start looking into assisted living facilities for your aging loved one.
1. Health Issues
The first thing to consider is the overall health and wellbeing of your loved one. Would they benefit from having a 24-hour medical staff available to check in on them and administer any medications that they need to take throughout the day?
While assisted living facilities are generally set up to be like apartments, they are equipped with emergency alarms and other safety features. If your loved one were to fall, for example, they could sound the alarm and be seen to by qualified medical staff immediately. This service gives many residents of assisted living facilities peace of mind.
Moreover, some facilities cater to specific health conditions as well. For instance, if your loved one is suffering from memory loss issues, they can find a facility that offers quality Alzheimer care Houston TX. This way, they can find the routine medical care that they need while also living in a fairly independent and health-promoting environment.
2. The Desire for More of a Social Life
When a older person lives on their own, it can be difficult for them to socialize with people regularly. This is particularly true for those who are at the point in life where they are no longer able to drive as much, or at all. By moving to an assisted living facility, your loved one will be in a situation where they are surrounded by fellow residents who are in a similar stage of life and by friendly staff members who genuinely care about their wellbeing.
Most assisted living facilities also offer a range of weekly activities that are specifically designed for seniors. There might be clubs, classes, or events on the schedule that you loved one will surely enjoy. Furthermore, the ability to connect with neighbors without having to travel at all helps many residents of such facilities feel more at home and able to make new friends.
3. Security Issues
There is no questioning the fact that seniors are at risk of certain security issues when living alone. Burglars tend to look for easy targets, and unfortunately the elderly generally fall into this category. The inability to protect oneself can truly disrupt the peace and security of a senior, especially if they have had issues in the past of this kind. This can also become a concern for an older individual if they live alone in a neighborhood that has been experiencing a spike in residential crime.
If you are concerned about the security of your loved one or if they are no longer comfortable living alone due to fear of being burgled, an assisted living facility can be an excellent solution to the problem. Not only do such facilities come with 24-hour security, but they have strict protocols in place when it comes to visitors.
Generally speaking, only known individuals who have met the team or are accompanied by someone who has may be granted access to a facility at all. Assisted living facilities also tend to have visiting hours, and no outsiders are permitted on-site outside of such hours unless there is an emergency. Essentially, if your loved one needs to regain a sense of security about their home, an assisted living facility can be an excellent option that brings peace of mind.
4. To Improve Overall Wellness
While many seniors choose to move into an assisted living facility for specific medical reasons, others might simply be looking for an environment that promotes overall health and wellness. Such facilities are equipped with a variety of amenities that are specifically designed to help seniors live their healthiest life.
Meals that are offered on-site tend to be chosen with care so that they are packed full of nutrition. If you need a specific type of diet plan, chances are your facility can cater to those needs. For instance, someone who has suffered from a cardiac event would want to eat a heart-healthy diet. This can easily be provided by your team at your assisted living facility.
Other things that can help promote the overall wellness of your aging loved one includes wellness and fitness programs. Seniors need to stay active and move to stay healthy; however, doing so without the right guidance and supervision can be a challenge. This is why assisted living facilities offer exercise programs designed for seniors and overseen by trainers who know what the needs and limitations of seniors are. With senior-friendly workout facilities on-site, your loved one will be able to stay active and mobile for a long time.
Many assisted living facilities choose their locations wisely, as well. If the one you are interested in is situated in a location that offers outdoor walks, then your loved one can not only stay active, but they can enjoy the scenery and fresh air while they are at it.
