Although the Temps Are Higher Seniors Still Need To Get Outside
June 17, 2022Can Assisted Living Help Seniors With Cognitive Issues?
October 13, 2022According to the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living, there are more than one million senior adults residing in assisted living communities throughout the US. This is because assisted living facilities provide 24-hour care for seniors who need some assistance with daily living, but do not require specialized memory care or skilled nursing services.
Everyone is different, and it can be hard to determine when the time is right for assisted living. The signs aren’t always very clear. Often, people wait too long to look for an assisted living facility and find themselves in a situation where they must scramble to find a facility that will take them. It’s important to learn which signs are good indicators the time for assisted living is now in order to avoid forcing the transition when it suddenly becomes an emergency.
Who will benefit from assisted living?
People who need extra help with daily activities, but do not need the level of care provided by a skilled nursing facility, are great candidates for an assisted living community. Here, they are provided with meals, housing, transportation and a host of other services. Assisted living communities also provide recreational and social activities for residents.
People who can benefit from assisted living include:
Seniors who should no longer live alone.
Adults with cognitive impairments.
Older adults with chronic illnesses.
What are the signs that it is time for assisted living?
There are certain signs that are good indicators that it may be the time for assisted living. If you, or someone you love, are exhibiting any of the following signs it’s probably time to start looking into assisted living options.
– Difficulties with daily activities
As we age, day to day activities can start to become more difficult. Grooming, bathing, getting dressed, and using the restroom are all activities that make up a person’s independence. If you or your loved one can no longer conduct these daily tasks on your own, it’s time to consider assisted living. When one fails to perform these important day to day activities, they risk a decline in health and increase the risk of injury.
An assisted living facility provides onsite care staff who are happy to assist with these daily needs. The community is designed to help seniors and provide the support they need to age in place.
– Frequent falls or hospitalizations
The main reason a person may be prone to falling is issues or difficulty with mobility. An assisted living facility provides residents with tools that help them move about safely, like canes, walkers, wheelchairs, handrails, and other devices to reduce or prevent falls. They also provide non-slip flooring and wheelchair accessible features like wider doorways and ramps to make it easier for people with limited mobility to get around.
If you or your loved one are dealing with frequent falls or hospitalizations, it may be time to consider assisted living.
– Cognitive decline
If you notice that your elderly loved one is experiencing difficulty with basic tasks, or that they are forgetting things more frequently, this may be a sign that it is time for assisted living. Assisted living communities provide recreational and social activities geared toward keeping the minds of seniors sharp, active and engaged. Some offer special programs for Alzheimer’s or dementia patients that help slow down the progression of dementia and improve their quality of life.
Other important signs to be aware of are:
– extreme changes in mood or behavior
– inability to maintain the home
– loss of interest in personal appearance
– social isolation or loneliness
– difficulty managing medications
Making the decision to move your loved one into an assisted living community is a big one. By taking the time to do your research and consult with them about their wants and needs, you can make the best decision possible for them. At the end of the day, that is what matters most.
Terrace Ridge Assisted Living offers a discerning residential environment for those who, for whatever reason, should not live alone, but do not require skilled nursing care. Here, residents can live as independently as they wish, with the calm assurance that help is always available, should they require assistance with their activities of daily living. Residents may range from being very independent to being physically and/or memory challenged. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a tour.