Realizing a loved one can no longer care for themselves can take its toll on both the family and the loved one. Guilty feelings are inevitable and only natural. Moving a loved one into an assisted living facility is a difficult decision to make.
Many families try to take care of them; however, it becomes strenuous. The quality of life deteriorates as your loved one is not receiving the care and attention they require.
Older adults would like to remain independent for as long as possible. Our loved ones will have a hard time realizing that they need assistance, and we, as their family members, will as well. Start to monitor your loved one’s physical and mental abilities, and research assisted living facilities.
Below are some of the common questions to ask to determine if assisted living is required.
FREQUENT ACCIDENTS & FALLS
- Are there accidents & falls happening more frequently with your loved one?
If your loved one has had a few falls and no one was home or close by to assist or prevent the fall from happening, this is an alarming sign your loved one needs the extra support.
According to the Government of Canada, falls are the cause of 85% of seniors’ injury-related hospitalizations. Assisted living facilities are equipped & trained to handle challenging situations such as falls.
SELF-CARE & DAILY LIVING (ADLS) CHALLENGES
- Have you noticed your loved one is experiencing difficulties with their hygiene?
- Do you recognize they have stopped taking care of themselves?
- Do you smell a body odor from them daily?
Lack of hygiene can be a clear sign your loved one has a hard time performing daily ADL’s (Activities of Daily Living). Your loved one may be too embarrassed to ask for help. If they aren’t receiving the hygiene care required to be healthy, they are at risk of developing infections.
Learn about Activities of Daily Living from HealthLinkBC.
SUDDEN WEIGHT LOSS
- Have you noticed your loved one has drastically lost weight?
- Do you see food go sour in your loved one’s refrigerator?
Perhaps they are not eating a balanced diet or not at all, due to a lack of diet and just not preparing meals. Your loved one may not be receiving the nutrients they require to live a healthy & active life.
At an assisted living facility, the staff is there to ensure that your loved one will have a balanced diet followed by the Government of Canada guidelines.
UNABLE TO MAINTAIN DAILY HOUSEWORK & TASKS
- Is your loved one having challenges with maintaining the house?
- Are there frequently dirty dishes in the sink?
- Piles of laundry need washing?
Basic housekeeping around the house can be extremely hard for older adults. If they cannot maintain the housework, an assisted living facility can provide a more sanitary living space.
MOBILITY CHALLENGES
- Does your loved one have challenges with walking?
- Is a walker not sufficient enough for them to get around the house?
- Are they able to go up and down stairs without assistance?
Mobility challenges are a clear sign your loved one requires assistance. Renovating the home to ease the mobility challenges may not be in your or your loved one’s budget.
Moving them to an assisted living facility will ensure their safety. According to Harvard Health Publishing, loss of mobility has profound social, psychological, and physical consequences.
Intervene When Needed
If you have noticed one or more of the above signs, the next step is to talk with your loved one about their needs and introduce assisted living options.
Have a family meeting before speaking to your loved one and make it the family’s priority to get your loved one the assistance they need to live a fulfilling life.
Contact your local facilities to view your options.