Signs Your Loved One Needs Assisted Living Care

Seniors’ needs and capabilities are constantly changing. Frequently, they require additional support to maintain a high quality of life. The recognition that an aging family member may benefit from an assisted living care home is often fraught with mixed emotions – but taking the steps to provide the necessary care is also crucial for our seniors’ well-being and safety. We’ve laid out some signs your loved one needs assisted living care.

Here are the top ten indicators associated with advanced years that often prompt families to seek an assisted living alternative.

1. Declining physical health: Families should keep an eye out for significant changes in a loved one’s physical abilities, such as difficulty with mobility, frequent falls, or challenges with activities of daily living (ADLs) like dressing, bathing, or eating. These may be clear signs your loved one needs assisted living care.
2. Memory loss and cognitive decline: Memory lapses, confusion, and forgetfulness can be signs of cognitive decline, indicating that a more structured and supportive environment is needed.
3. Loneliness and isolation: Seniors who become increasingly withdrawn, or exhibit signs of depression, might benefit from the social interactions, companionship, and around-the-clock care offered in the best assisted living care homes.
4. Neglected personal hygiene and home: Noticing a decline in personal grooming or a messy and unkempt living space could indicate that a loved one is struggling to manage their daily routines independently.
5. Medication mismanagement: Frequent medication errors or missed doses may signal the need for assistance with medication management and monitoring.
6. Inadequate nutrition: A sudden decline in appetite and/or weight loss could be a sign that seniors are not eating well or able to prepare nutritious meals.
7. Wandering and safety risks: For seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, wandering behaviors can pose safety risks, making an assisted living home with a secure environment a more suitable option.
8. Inability to manage finances: Unopened bills, unpaid utilities, or financial disorganization might indicate a loved one is having difficulty managing their finances independently.
9. Recent hospitalizations or health emergencies: Frequent visits to the ER, health emergencies, and concerns about declining health often signal that long-term help is needed.
10. Family caregiver stress: If you and other family caregivers are experiencing burnout and/or are unable to provide the level of care required, it is absolutely essential to consider assisted living care as a supportive alternative.

Taking all these signs into account, families and loved ones should approach the topic with calm, compassionate sensitivity. Involve your senior in the decision-making process to the extent that they are able. Moving to an assisted living care home is not a small transition, but when partnering with a quality collaborator, it can provide the necessary support, professional care, and enriching environment that an aging loved one needs to thrive.

If you’re considering assisted living care for your loved one in Howard County, look no further than Kenwood Care. Owned and operated by John and Victoria Sessler, Kenwood Care specializes in providing daily living assistance and a comfortable home-like environment for seniors with diverse needs.

Featuring four fully furnished and ADA-compliant residential care homes, Kenwood Care offers the highest level of care and compassion. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and explore the best options for your loved one’s continued well-being.