It can be difficult for older adults to navigate daily life on their own, but relinquishing one’s independence is a significant and emotional step. It can also be challenging for a senior citizen’s loved ones to determine whether or not their family member is safe and secure living alone. With so many factors involved, making the right choice about moving to assisted living can seem daunting. While giving up one’s home is a uniquely personal decision, there are some common indications that it may be time to consider moving to assisted living.

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Determining the need to move into assisted living is not always clearly evident. However, some signs can assist in making the right decision. While your loved one may want to continue living alone, these clues tell a different story. Remember, if your senior family can, you should always include them in any housing decision. This will help ease the transition and not make them feel like they are being forced into a situation they don’t want.

  1. Frequent falling: A single fall may not be serious enough to worry about, but several falls may point to a need to protect your loved one and move them someplace more secure. If your family member does not want to change residences but is experiencing weakness, dizziness, or imbalance, provide them with a medic alert device.
  2. Deteriorating health: If a chronic condition worsens, it may become more challenging for your senior to live alone safely. If you have concerns about the health of your loved one, speak with them and their physician to assess if assisted living or skilled nursing care may be an appropriate option.
  3. Mismanaging medications: Your senior’s health can significantly deteriorate if they forget to take – or take their medications improperly. If their medications are disappearing more rapidly than they should, or if they are not taking them as prescribed, you should consider taking steps to help them manage their medications. The solution may be a visible schedule on the refrigerator, an alarm, or a by-the-day pillbox. However, if they continue not being able to self-medicate appropriately, they may require a professional care setting or at least a home caregiver.
  4. Inability to complete activities of daily living (ADLs): Activities of daily living include fixing meals, cleaning the house, or taking care of hygiene. Your concern may be warranted if your loved one is no longer eating correctly and is noticeably losing weight. If they have stopped bathing themselves or caring for their teeth, cognitive abilities could be impaired. Although one or two instances may not seem troublesome, your loved one may not be capable of living alone when these incidents begin to add up.
  5. Mobility difficulties: If your elderly family member can no longer get out of their chair or climb their steps, it may be time to move to an alternate living situation. A home renovation may do the trick, but an entirely new residence may be safer.
  6. Changes in behavior or mood swings: Aggressive behavior may point to dementia, indicating a need to move into an assisted living facility or memory care center. Even if dementia is not in play, if your loved one is suddenly lonely, feeling isolated, or angry, living alone could be detrimental to them. Moving them to an assisted living facility where they can make and foster relationships and stay engaged may be the right option.

If you are looking into assisted living and want to help your senior family member make the right decision, we invite you to visit A Banyan Residence in The Villages to learn more.