An assisted living community offers seniors companionship, care, stimulating activities, and much more. Many a time, senior loved ones welcome the move to a retirement community. But not everyone is the same. Some people look at this period with fear and uncertainty. But it’s critical that they receive professional assistance at the right time.
So how do you know when your senior loved ones needs professional care? Here are a few thoughts:
· Is your loved one safe living at home alone? Does she or he climb up and down the stairs steadily? If she or he cannot maintain a good center of balance, or is forgetful about open doors or stove burners, this is a safety concern.
· Can they get in and out of the shower on their own? Is personal hygiene or the sanitary of the house lacking?
· Is the refrigerator stocked? Any evidence that your loved one is not eating well needs to be taken seriously.
· If your senior is craving company or if he is suddenly withdrawn, assisted living may be worth considering.
· Seniors need to be engaged in stimulating activities. Sitting around all day, doing nothing, can create a negative attitude or “senior blues”.
· Memory loss is also an indicator of the need for professional care. Talking to strangers and getting lost while they are out on their own can be dangerous. Memory loss is degenerative, but it can be slowed significantly, if detected quickly.
It’s very important that you discuss this need for outside help with your loved one. Often, this discussion is a difficult one, but it always pay off. It’s reassuring to know that an overwhelming majority of retirees living in our senior living communities are happier than they expected to be, and the relief their safety and happiness gives to their family members can’t be measured.
At Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living Phoenix, Arizona, we keep our senior residents in high spirits. Take a look at this blog post to know more about how to take care of aging loved ones 