While most of us would like to live in our own homes and maintain that independence for as long as possible, sometimes our age or health condition no longer permits us to do so. It can be a difficult situation to accept when that happens. However, when it comes to a point when living alone is not safe anymore, you or your loved one may have to consider moving to an assisted living community.
If you or your loved one are wondering whether it is time for an alternative living option, read on to assess your situation and identify if you need assisted living in 2022.
Increased Injuries
Older adults are generally more vulnerable to injuries, with falls being the most common cause of injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 3 million mature adults receive treatment for a serious fall injury annually. You or your loved one may be susceptible to falls as well, especially if you have poor eyesight, poor hearing, or have a health or physical condition. Should a fall really occur, living alone may result in you or your loved one not being able to get timely help.
Having Trouble with Daily Tasks
As we get older, the little tasks we do daily such as cooking, showering, dressing, or personal hygiene care can become more challenging to carry out. If you or your loved one are facing difficulty completing daily living tasks, assisted living would be a viable option. With round-the-clock care, assisted living ensures that you or your loved one receive individualized professional care suited to your needs.
Neglected Chores
Do you notice dishes and laundry piling up, increased dust in your home, or your bathrooms looking constantly dirty? Having trouble with keeping up housework is a sign that owning a home could be more than what you or your loved one can currently handle. Assisted living offers housekeeping, laundry, and cooking services, so you will no longer have to worry about those chores!
Forgetting Medication
Have you or your loved one forgotten and/or overconsumed medications lately? Not keeping up with medications is a common issue, especially when living alone. At assisted living communities, such occurrences are prevented, as the nursing and caregiving teams help with the residents’ medication management.
Feelings of Isolation
Shunning away from social activities you used to enjoy, or staying home for days or weeks at a time are indications of increasing isolation. Loneliness can be bad for an older adult’s health, as it could exacerbate depression or other medical problems. In assisted living communities, you or your loved one will get to connect with a new social community. Residents enjoy a variety of social events and activities that ensure that stay engaged and active.
Moving to an assisted living community is both a transition and not an easy choice, thus it is understandable that many factors have to be considered before making this decision. Should the warning signs in our guide start to surface in your or your loved one’s life, it is probably time to consider this living option. Ultimately, assisted living will not compromise your independence, and the amenities and services will keep you or your loved one healthy and safe.
