According to assisted living statistics by Consumer Affairs, seven out of ten people in the United States need assisted living. It might be tough to make the right decision when elderly family members require assisted living. There is no right answer, but there are some clear signs that may indicate your family needs a helping hand.
Feelings of Loneliness or Fear
While young people are socializing, it is not that easy anymore for older adults. These can cause a person to become a recluse, and this may, in turn, become a trigger for other health problems, according to the National Institute on Aging.
So, how do you know if your loved one is lonely? Start by asking them. Also, depression symptoms may be present, for example, if he or she is no longer interested in activities that previously seemed engaging or has been eating too much or not eating enough.
Assisted living provides advantages in the sense that people in those homes are living in groups. There are grouped fitness classes, hobby workshops, local outings, and other communal activities that provide avenues to interact with peers and foster close friendships.
Difficulty Performing Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
Fundamental skills are required to care for oneself. These include eating, bathing, and getting around. As people age, these daily activities can become more burdensome. According to the survey, approximately 20% of adults aged 85 years and older need help with ADLs.
To find out if your loved one is having difficulty with ADLs, pay attention to:
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Personal hygiene: Seniors may face difficulties in activities such as bathing, grooming, brushing teeth, or dressing. A messy appearance, body odor, or dirty clothing may indicate potential problems.
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Unexplained weight loss or gain: If the senior is struggling preparing meals, they may undercook their meals, or serve themselves too much or too little portions. Avoid overindulging in processed foods.
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Difficulty walking, sitting down, getting up from a chair, or falling: These are common signs of mobility problems that require additional help to get around. In this case, consider getting a heavy-duty wheelchair or a mobility scooter that will help their user continue performing everyday tasks on their own.
A senior assisted living will provide the elderly resident with freshly cooked meals, cleaning services, medical assistance, and transportation services, among others, to ensure that your loved one never feels out of place or left out when it comes to getting help with what they want at any particular time.
Not Keeping up with Medication
According to the Health Innovation Network, medications are not taken as prescribed nearly half of the time. Mismanagement of medication can lead to serious consequences, including treatment failure and even an increased risk of death.
Assisted living facility care teams can help with medication management. This gets rid of the mental burden of having to remember when to take a pill and how much and provides reassurance to family members.
Frequent Falls
According to the CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 36 million falls occur each year among older Americans. One in ten falls results in an injury that restricts the person’s activities for a day. Falls are not a typical part of the aging process. Multiple falls might indicate vision problems, reduced mobility, impaired balance, lower body weakness, or another underlying problem, all of which can compromise a person’s ability to live safely and independently.
In many cases, falls are a critical sign that it may be time to consider a move to an assisted living facility. The additional support available in assisted living facilities can help mitigate some fall risks while providing an environment better fitted to the changing needs of seniors.
What Are the Benefits of Assisted Living for Seniors?
For an older adult, an assisted living community can be seen as an upgrade from living at home in terms of an individual’s health and social engagement. A residence specialized in this population aims to provide comfy conditions in order to enjoy comfortable and secure aging.
Older adults living with others brings a positive effect on their health. When a person reaches a certain age, it is not always optimal for them to remain at home, much less if they spend long periods alone. Over time, the family tends to split up, meaning that children grow up and start a family of their own. This makes older adults be left alone, and without adequate care, they require at this stage in life where good quality of life is so much needed.
In some cases, the home environment is not responsive to the needs of an older adult. Their house, which was formerly planned in a certain way in terms of construction and furniture, becomes non-functional, as with the elderly living there, new care options are required that were not demanded before.
Such aspects can lead the elderly into hopelessness crises, no protection crises, and isolation crises. They stop caring for themselves, stop communicating, isolate themselves, become sick, or even self-harm.
A solution to this need is assisted living communities as well as residential care homes for the elderly. They are a form of care housing for all senior citizens who need full assistance or partial assistance with their daily living activities. They are targeted at creating an environment in the assisted living facilities and, therefore, foster the bond between the residents and the staff in charge as well as between the residents themselves. Generally, an assisted living residential facility includes the following services:
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24-hour supervision and security
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On-site nursing services
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Meals and snacks for residents.
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Handling and dispensing of medications
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Help to maintain adequate personal hygiene
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Physical, artistic, and recreational activities
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Laundry and cleaning services
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Transportation for medical appointments, shopping, and other activities
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Constant communication between residents and family members
Conclusion
Living in an assisted living community can, therefore, contribute to an enhanced quality of life for older adults. These places offer an environment designed to provide comfort, security, and personalized support as they face the challenges of aging.
Due to the many amenities offered, residents can enjoy a more independent life without the constant worry of everyday tasks. Additionally, socialization is encouraged through group activities and planned events, which combats isolation.
An assisted living community also provides seniors with the opportunity to age with dignity, surrounded by support, love, and care. In case you notice some of the signs mentioned above in your senior parents, consult with your doctor about whether assisted living is a good choice for your loved one.
