When you visit your senior family member who lives alone, you might notice small things that feel “off.” While one or two issues may seem minor in isolation, they can point to a deeper problem. You should not feel the need to overanalyze every aspect of your family member’s life, but it’s still important to make sure their age and related health conditions are not too much of a burden on their health and well-being. Here’s how to tell if they are thriving or struggling.
Assisted living and memory care facilities are a perfect way to get your senior loved one the help they need without radically altering their lifestyle and routine. Start the conversation if you notice any warning signs that point to a dangerous at-home situation.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Many Florida seniors may not voice their struggles, whether due to pride, fear of burdening others, or simply not recognizing their own decline. To determine whether your loved one is genuinely thriving or beginning to struggle living at home, look for these signs:
Decline in Personal Hygiene: One of the first signs that may appear when a senior struggles to live independently is a noticeable decline in personal hygiene. If your loved one seems unkempt or has a body odor, it may indicate difficulty with basic self-care. This could be due to physical limitations, but it can also manifest due to cognitive decline.
Unexplained Weight or Dietary Changes: Sudden weight changes or strange new eating habits may indicate a senior’s struggle with meal preparation or grocery shopping. If cooking becomes too burdensome, you will likely see a fridge filled with expired food, empty cabinets, or an over-reliance on processed meals. Because poor nutrition can weaken the immune system and make the risk of other conditions even worse, nutrition should not be sacrificed as someone ages.
Household Neglect or Increased Clutter: Similar to personal hygiene, a once tidy and well-maintained home becoming cluttered or unkempt can be a red flag. This relates to obvious issues, like an influx of house clutter, and hardships surrounding house maintenance, such as unpaid bills. You should also look outside, to the yard and the garage, to see if they are receiving the type of upkeep you expect from your healthy, active family member.
Social Withdrawal and Isolation: Health conditions, especially cognitive concerns like dementia, can immediately impact a senior’s motivation to engage in social activities. You may find it difficult to contact them through the phone or schedule any type of activity or home visitation. Unfortunately, senior isolation is a significant problem, and its health conditions can have a worsening effect. Assisted living facilities provide the close-knit community many seniors need to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Increased Confusion or Memory Issues: Compounding many other issues is memory decline and increased cognitive concerns. Seniors with these conditions struggle with forgetfulness, making it hard to recall appointments and even causing them to get lost in familiar places. While occasional memory lapses are normal with aging, consistent confusion could indicate early dementia or another underlying issue. Cognitive impairment impacts nearly all aspects of life, and it is one of the surefire signs that assisted living and memory care might be needed to continue a thriving lifestyle.
Remember, these are not the only conditions to keep an eye out for. Anytime you notice a sudden shift in your senior’s habits or routine, ask them questions and try to get to the bottom of the situation. For example, if minor physical health conditions are making it harder to clean up around the house, volunteering your time for one hour every week might be all that is necessary to help your loved one remain at home and thriving for a longer time.
However, having seniors remain in their homes past the point they can care for themselves is dangerous. It might be time to consider assisted living and memory care at A Banyan Residence to provide your family member with a safe, secure, and enjoyable community as they live out their retirement years. Contact our facility today to schedule a tour.
