No matter how hard we try and fight it, we all must go through the aging process. This means, before you know it, loved ones like your parents will reach their senior years. As they get older, they may require additional help and support.
If you have concerns about a loved one who is living alone, it may be time to look into assisted living. To help with the decision, here are five warning signs to look out for.
Chronic Health Problems
As your loved one gets older, any chronic health conditions they have will continue to get worse. Some chronic health conditions can weaken the immune system too, meaning they’re more likely to fall ill more frequently and stay sick for longer. Whether your loved one has asthma, diabetes, dementia, or cystic fibrosis, it may be time to find a long-term care facility that’s equipped and staffed to handle your loved ones’ ongoing medical needs.
Difficulty Managing Medication
If your loved one is taking daily medication, you may have noticed that they’re not keeping track of their dosage instructions. This can be incredibly dangerous, whether they’re missing a dose or taking too much. If your loved one isn’t taking medication because they’ve forgotten, it may be time to look a facility like McKnight Place Assisted Living. The staff are there to ensure your loved one is taking their medication as and when required.
Frequent Falls
When you’re young, a fall in public or at home may only damage your pride. However, as you get older, your mobility will decline, meaning a fall can cause serious injuries. If your loved one is having frequent falls and you’re concerned they may not be able to get up or alert the authorities, an assisted living facility will monitor them, which should give you peace of mind. There are medical alert systems you can purchase in the meantime, especially if your loved one isn’t quite ready for assisted living.
Hygiene Problems
We all take pride in our hygiene and appearance. Whether it’s brushing your teeth twice a day or getting a daily shower or bath, you may find your loved one has stopped taking care of themself like they normally would. If you’ve noticed an unpleasant odor, this could be an indication that your loved one is struggling to bathe. Hygiene problems can cause infections, not to mention result in emotional and mental decline. Therefore, considering an assisted living facility may be the answer.
Poor Eating Habits
If your parent was always known for being in the kitchen whipping up tasty grub, you’ll notice a difference immediately if they’re relying on frozen meals or takeout to keep them going. Any changes in weight in the last couple of months should also be a red flag. Poor eating habits can cause weight loss, which could be a sign that they are having difficulty preparing and cooking food. An assisted living facility has catering in-house, meaning your loved one can have tasty, nutritious meals every single day.
Many of us pledge that when our parents get older, we will be there to provide love, care, and support. However, with your own life to lead, it may not be feasible to take over the reins completely. Assisted living enables your loved one to have specialist support and more independence which should put your mind at ease.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
