Making the decision to place your loved one in an assisted living facility can be a daunting task. It can be hard to determine whether you are making the right choice or letting them down. No matter how much we want to be there and provide everything for them, some things are just not possible. That is when it must be decided that it is better for them to have assistance performing daily activities and routines. Determining when that time is can be tough, but the signs below can help you determine when that time may be.
Safety
You must consider the safety of your loved one when deciding if assisted elderly care is necessary. Assisted care servces or elderly home care services may be needed if the safety of your loved one is in jeopardy. When it is no longer safe to leave them alone or unattended then it may be time to consider other options like assisted elderly care.
Hygiene
When you notice that your loved ones hygiene is declining, this could signal that it is time for other options, such as assisted care. This could simply mean that they are unable to properly clean themselves and keep their hygiene up. It could indicate that they forget their hygiene regimen, or it could indicate that they are having a much harder time by themselves than you imagined. If you notice your loved one’s hygiene change, talk to them to determine what the cause is and if additional help could be the answer.
Falls
Sometimes falls are not a cause for concern, but when an elderly loved one endures one it could be cause for a huge concern. Falls can lead to broken bones which could inevitably lead to you loved one remaining down and unable to get up to get help. This could render them helpless for an undetermined amount of time. When falls become a concern for you and your loved one causing you to worry about leaving them alone unattended, then it may be time to explore other options including assisted elderly care services.
Chronic Problems
Whether young or old, anyone can suffer from a chronic health condition which requires continuous care from a doctor or physician. As we age, these chronic conditions can become worse, leading to more specialized care from a doctor or physician being necessary. Once a chronic condition is no longer managed with ease at home, it could be time to start exploring other options including help when it comes to caring for your loved ones.
Nutrition
Sometimes as we age the things we used to do when we were younger are no longer as easy to accomplish. This can include cooking and preparing meals. Elderly people have a much harder time getting around, picking things up and even opening jars or cans. If you find yourself worrying about the nutrition of your loved one then it may be time to consider other care options. Healthy food is important for all of us, but it is especially important for the elderly, therefore ensuring they get proper nutrition could go a long way with helping them with sickness and even injury.
Medications
Medications are important, but they only do good when they are taken on time and when they are supposed to be taken. Additionally taking certain medications at the wrong time could cause them to interact with other medications being taken. Sometimes this can produce life threatening results. When you start becoming concerned about your loved one taking their medications when they are supposed to, and them taking the right ones, then it may be time to consider assisted elderly care options for your loved ones.
While no one can make the decision for you, these signs can help you talk with your family and your elderly loved one so that together you can all make the best decision for everyone. Consider all the options, but also consider everyone involved. If family is the main caretaker consideration should be taken into how exhaustive your elderly family member has become. Consider all of your options including these tips above to make the best decision for everyone involved.
