The older generation continues to grow in numbers. By 2030, there will be over 50 million people age 65 and older in America, according to projections by the United States Census Bureau. As the baby boomers age, we’ll see rapid growth in the number of those needing care. In fact, the number of Americans aged 65 and older grew twice as fast as the total U.S. population during the 1980s and 1990s.
With that in mind, it’s important to think about what our future holds for seniors. While many people assume that retirement is the end goal, it’s actually just the beginning of a long life journey. For most seniors, the reality is that they’re likely to live well beyond their golden years. And even though most people don’t like to admit it, the majority of retirees aren’t financially prepared for the realities of aging.
So, when does it become time to move your parents into assisted living? If you haven’t already done so, here are nine things to look out for that could indicate it’s time to start planning for assisted living.
1. Increased Injuries Or Accidents
If injuries or accidents at home become increasingly common, it could mean seniors are starting to need more daily assistance.
The absence of proper safety features — like well-lit walkways or walk-in showers — could be signs that a move into senior living might be the best option. In assisted living communities, keeping seniors safe is a top priority, which is why you will often find on-site staff trained for emergency situations. And since most facilities provide 24/7 security monitoring, there’s no reason to worry about being alone.
2. Noticeable Changes In Appetite
As people age, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain healthy eating habits. This includes losing interest in food, or even forgetting to eat altogether. If someone you love is experiencing such issues, it could be an indication that assisted living might make more sense.
Signs to look for include:
- Forgetting to eat meals
- Losing interest in food
- Not consuming enough liquids
- Feeling uninterested in food
3. Memory Lapses
Memory loss is common among older adults. While some forgetfulness is normal, if you notice that forgetfulness includes behaviors such as wandering, becoming lost, or forgetting routine tasks, it may be time for a change. For example, if you are having trouble remembering where things are stored or what events happened over the weekend, it could indicate memory problems.
As people age, they often become less able to remember information about themselves or others. This can make conversations difficult because they cannot recall names or facts. If someone forgets something important, he or she might say, “I don’t know.” As a person grows older, he or she becomes more likely to repeat himself or herself. He or she may ask the same question several times or forget to eat lunch.
If you notice any of these signs, talk to your doctor. You may want to see a geriatrician, a physician who specializes in caring for seniors. Your doctor can help determine whether your symptoms are related to dementia or another medical problem.
4. Medication
Taking medications at the right time, in the correct amount, and without mistakes are challenges for many older adults. A recent study found that the average person over age 65 takes eight prescription drugs and five over-the-counter medicines. And while there are ways to help patients manage their medications, caregivers must take extra measures to make sure the patient doesn’t miss doses or accidentally overdose.
5. Trouble Keeping Up with Bills
This red flag relates to forgetting about bills, finances, or even basic tasks like paying utility bills. Some signs include:
• Not keeping track of money
• Forgetting where things are kept
• Forgetting important dates
• Having trouble managing personal care
• Losing documents
• Missing out on payments
6. Changes in Hygiene
If you notice changes in your loved one’s personal hygiene — like unpleasant odors, greasy, unkept hair, or dirty nails that are too long, cracked, or jagged — it might be a sign of self-neglect. This is especially true if the person refuses to bathe or brush his/her teeth.
Other warning signs of self-neglect include:
•Refusal to take medications or poorly managed medication regimen
•Signs of weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration
•Lack of interest in daily activities
•Unusual behavior
7. Chronic or worsening health problems
If declining health is a major issue, it might be time for your loved one to consider moving into an assisted living facility. A skilled nursing facility could help them recover from illness or injury. They might even help improve their health. But if your loved one is already showing signs of weakness due to chronic illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, or multiple sclerosis, having full-time care in either type of facility could worsen their situation. This is because those facilities are designed to provide 24/7 care, whereas most people don’t require such intensive attention.
The good news is that there are options for seniors who want to remain independent while receiving quality care. Assisted living facilities offer supportive housing, where residents live independently but receive assistance with activities of daily life. Skilled nursing facilities offer medical treatment and rehabilitation, including therapies and treatments specifically geared toward helping patients regain strength and mobility.
8. Changes in mood or aggressive behavior
Aggression is one of the most difficult behaviors to manage in older adults because it often goes along with cognitive impairment. In fact, aggression is one of the 12 signs of Alzheimer’s disease. People suffering from dementia are much more likely to become agitated, irritable, angry, fearful, confused, anxious, or depressed. Oftentimes, caregivers notice changes in their loved one’s personality as early as three months into the progression of the illness.
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The Gardens at Oasis is proud to be an independently owned and operated community with home-grown folks who care about you and getting to know you. The Gardens is a great place to retire, relax and really thrive. Give us a call today and let us show you our vibrant and caring community
