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5 Signs Your Loved One Needs Assisted Living

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An adult child embracing their mature parent in assisted living.

Caring for a loved one as they grow older is an exciting but demanding responsibility. 

While you may want to provide the care yourself and help them maintain their independence, there may come a time when additional support is required. 

Age and retirement status aren’t factors we consider when assessing whether someone is ready for assisted living. Instead, here are five signs that indicate your loved one may benefit from the care and support offered in assisted living: 

  1. Assistance with daily tasks
  2. Safety concerns 
  3. Health status
  4. Social withdrawal
  5. Caregiver burnout

All About Assisted Living

Long-term care communities aim to support their residents’ overall health and well-being, and assisted living is no exception. 

Assisted living is a community-focused care environment designed for older adults who require help with activities of daily living (ADLs), are relatively mobile, and self-sufficient. These communities help bridge the gap between independent living and full-time intensive care. 

These communities aim to balance support while promoting residents’ independence, making it an attractive option for families and older adults. 

Our community offers a variety of services and amenities, including: 

  • Support with ADLs: Trained staff assists with personal care needs like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
  • Nutritious meals: Meals are prepared with the health and dietary needs of residents in mind, confirming balanced nutrition.
  • Housekeeping and maintenance: Tasks like cleaning, laundry, and home maintenance are taken care of, reducing physical strain on residents.
  • On-site amenities: Common areas, gardens, wellness rooms, and libraries help improve residents’ quality of life.  

This allows residents to step away from managing mundane daily tasks and focus their attention and energy on enriching their hobbies, interests, and relationships.

5 Signs Your Loved One is Ready for Assisted Living

Contrary to popular belief, transitioning to assisted living isn’t based on someone’s age or retirement status. Everyone is different and so are their care needs.

Deciding whether someone you care about needs assisted living isn’t always straightforward. However, certain signs indicate your loved one may benefit from the care provided in assisted living. 

1. Difficulty with ADLs 

When a loved one begins to struggle with completing daily tasks like personal grooming, meal preparation, and medication management, it may indicate they can no longer safely and independently live at home. 

This decline may manifest because of getting older, declining health status, or injuries or surgeries. An inability to complete tasks that once felt simple can lead to frustration, diminished quality of life, and even health risks if their needs continue to go unmet. 

Assisted living addresses these concerns by providing personalized support with ADLs. Our professional staff are available for round-the-clock care, helping residents complete these tasks while fostering independence. 

A group of residents in assisted living participating in a community-organized paint event.

2. Increased Safety Concerns 

When you find yourself constantly worrying about your loved one’s safety, it may be a sign they could benefit from the care offered in assisted living.

Safety concerns can arise from factors such as: 

  • Frequent falls 
  • Difficulty navigating their home
  • Becoming disoriented
  • Inability to maintain personal hygiene

Safety is a top priority in assisted living. 

Our community helps mitigate the risk of safety hazards by providing a secure environment equipped with features like grab bars, emergency call systems, well-lit spaces, and professional staff to assist when needed. 

3. Noticeable Decline in Health 

A noticeable decline in health is often a strong indication that a loved one may require the support of assisted living. While their declining health status may require consistent care, it doesn’t demand full-time intensive medical care. 

Noticeable signs of declining health can include:  

  • Sudden weight loss
  • Frequent illnesses
  • Difficulty managing chronic conditions
  • Reduced mobility

These changes pose risks to a loved one’s physical and mental well-being. Health concerns left unaddressed can escalate, making it challenging for them to live safely and comfortably on their own.

Residents in assisted living have access to services to help manage their health:

  • Ongoing health monitoring
  • Medication management
  • On-site health care services
  • Proper nutrition

In addition to ongoing assistance with ADLs, these services help reduce the risk of health-related complications. This proactive approach aims to manage residents’ health while promoting independence. 

4. Social Withdrawal 

As social beings, human connection is vital for our overall well-being. Regular interaction with others can reduce feelings of loneliness and depression and provide a sense of belonging. 

It’s common for older adults to gradually withdraw from social activities because of mobility challenges, declining health, or loss of loved ones. This withdrawal can compound feelings of isolation and negatively impact mental and physical health.

If your loved one has stopped participating in activities they once loved or they rarely see friends and family, this could be a sign they’re feeling lonely.

Our community is a social hub for residents. Through group activities, clubs, outings, and common spaces, residents can interact with each other and form meaningful relationships. 

5. Caregiver Burnout

Assisted living doesn’t just support residents; it makes a difference for their families too. 

Caring for a loved one is rewarding but full of responsibilities that can be difficult to fulfill without a strong support network. Over time, it can become physically and emotionally exhausting, affecting the quality of care you can provide your loved one. 

It takes a village to care for a loved one. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, constantly stressed, or unable to meet their needs, it may be time to consider help.

The professional care, support, and resources in assisted living means families can shift their focus from caregiving to spending meaningful time and creating cherished memories with their loved ones.

Schedule a Tour 

Recognizing these signs is the first step toward making an informed decision. The benefits of assisted living lead to a more balanced approach to wellness for older adults and their families. 

Connect with our team at Valley View Senior Living to schedule a tour of our assisted living community. 

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Written by POD Admin

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