There comes a time that many people must face: moving their parent out of their home. This situation can be uncomfortable and harmful if the parent is uncooperative. Still, if you’re unsure if your parent needs the extra help, here are some signs to look out for on how tell if your parent needs assisted living.
They Forget Where They Are
Occasional memory loss is typical with age, but dementia and Alzheimer’s are serious cognitive ailments you should never ignore. Both reflect poor cognition and brain function. Dementia is actually an umbrella term for common symptoms such as memory loss, poor reasoning, and poor thinking skills, while Alzheimer’s is a specific brain disease resulting from complex brain changes and cell damage. If you think your parent is suffering from a dementia-related illness or have a physician’s confirmed diagnosis, it’s time to move your parent into an assisted living facility, where they’ll receive appropriate care.
Their Home Is Too Dangerous
No one wants to feel fearful at home. Getting older means that even basic amenities may seem perilous. Wet bathroom floors, unsteady kitchen counters, and even clutter can wreak havoc on unsuspecting victims. If your parent faces these perils on a daily basis, first, clean up the home. If they still feel uncomfortable in their surroundings, it may be time to move them to a safer environment. Residential danger is just one of the many signs your parent needs assisted living.
They’ve Stopped Caring for Themselves
Another sign of how to tell if your parent needs assisted living is if they’ve stopped caring for themselves. Personal hygiene is key for longevity no matter your age. However, as one gets older, they may spend less time on themselves to the point of personal neglect. If you notice your parent has stopped bathing or eating, they may be dealing with depression, anxiety, or another mental health problem. Part of this may also be due to forgetfulness, which you can often attribute to medicinal side effects, dementia, or improper sleeping habits. If your parent refuses help with basic care, it’s time to consider alternative living arrangements.
So talk to your parent about why they’re not taking care of themselves. Sometimes, this is simply due to circumstantial reasons such as lack of time. Still, if you notice this is an ongoing pattern, get help. If your parent has trouble sleeping or their memory loss is affecting their personal well-being, it’s time to consider assisted living. Assisted living facilities have full-time staff to care for your parent’s basic hygiene and ensure they receive proper care.
