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Accepting that your parents are getting older and may need assisted living can be hard. You may start to notice that they require more help doing normal activities. For example, they may no longer be able to move around their house on their own.
However, not all signs are so apparent. If you’re unable to spend time with them on a regular basis, it may take you a long time to notice their aging, and while they wait for you to advocate on their behalf, they are put in increasing danger. To keep your parent safe, it is important to understand what to look out for when you’re together to avoid missing the distressing signs that they need more help.
What are the signs assisted living is needed?
Common BUT LESS NOTICEABLE signs that your parent could benefit from assisted living include:
- needing reminders to take medication, eat, or drink
- noticeable weight loss or gain
- difficulty moving or an increase in falls
- neglect of household maintenance
- inability to perform daily tasks (grooming, preparing meals, etc.)
- increased time in isolation (perhaps following the death of their spouse)
- less interest in beloved hobbies
For dementia patients…
Your parent might require memory-focused assisted living if they display any of the following signs.
- increased aggressive behaviors
- disorientation (becomes lost easily)
- repetition of stories and questions
- speech problems
- difficulty planning, concentrating, or organizing
Why an assisted living facility?
Once you discover that your parent needs help, your first instinct might be to care for them yourself. However, if you are struggling to balance the demands of your own life, it may be impossible to devote time to your parent’s care. On the other hand, it can be difficult to hand over the responsibility to strangers. To feel more comfortable with the possibility of assisted living, having a basic understanding of what they offer is important.
As a resident of assisted living, your parent can expect “personalized care, nutritious meals, a wide range of social activities to cater to a variety of interests, and a sense of community in a safe, residential setting.” Due to the reasons shared above, assisted living may be a great option for you and your parent.
Got Medicare Questions?
We hope this information on knowing when your parent requires assisted living is helpful to you.
If you have questions about your Medicare coverage, call Empower Brokerage today. Let us help with your Medicare questions so you can get back to the activities you enjoy the most. (888) 446-9157 or click here to get an INSTANT QUOTE
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