When to Consider Assisted Living as Care for Elderly Parents
If your elderly parents are having trouble with daily tasks, then it may be time for assisted living care for your elderly parents. Other signs include frequent falls, worsening health, poor nutrition, increasing isolation, and a decline in home maintenance.
Surprisingly, Euro News says that we reach our cognitive prime between the ages of 55 and 60. So if your elderly parents seem too smart for their own good, that's why!
But it's inevitable that in our later years, we'll start experiencing cognitive and physical decline. And while it's nice to age in place at home, that may not always be possible.
So how can you tell when it's time for assisted living care for your elderly parents in Brookfield, WI?
How to Decide When to Put a Parent in Assisted Living?
Everyone forgets something here or there, or they may have an off day where they don't feel like showering or cleaning the house. So how can you tell if your parents are just having a temporary rough time or are actually declining?
These are the signs that you need to consider senior living in Brookfield for your loved ones.
Difficulty Managing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
One of the earliest and most telling signs that your parents may benefit from assisted living is when they struggle with activities of daily living (ADLs). This includes things like:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Eating
- Toileting
- Mobility
If these tasks are challenging, then it's an indication that independent living is no longer safe or sustainable. Staff members at an assisted living community can lend a helping hand for ADLs, so everyday life is easier.
Frequent Falls or Safety Concerns at Home
According to the CDC, over 14 million older adults report falling every year. One small stumble and fall in the kitchen may be nothing, but it may be time to reevaluate things if your parents have experienced the following:
- Frequent falls
- Unexplained bruises
- Close calls
Their living environment may not be suitable either, and it may take a huge financial investment to make it safer. In an assisted living community, it'll have top safety features, such as:
- Grab bars
- Non-slip floors
- Emergency call systems
- 24/7 staff assistance
Worsening Health or Chronic Medical Conditions
Many older adults have chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, or memory disorders. They may initially be manageable, but over time, they can become increasingly complex.
Warning signs that need assistance include them struggling to:
- Keep up with medications
- Attend doctor's appointments
- Manage health changes
With the help of assisted living staff, your beloved seniors won't have to worry about medications, as they'll receive reminders. They'll also help coordinate with local healthcare providers.
Poor Nutrition or Noticeable Weight Loss
Seniors who are struggling with meal preparation or appetite may:
- Lose weight unexpectedly
- Skip meals
- Rely on processed snacks
In addition, cooking may be tiring or unsafe for them, so if you notice cuts and burns from food prep and cooking, these are red flags too.
In assisted living, they'll receive regular and balanced meals that are tasty too. Plus, they'll enjoy meals with others in the dining room, which can make eating a positive experience they look forward to.
Increasing Isolation or Loneliness
Social isolation is one of the biggest concerns for older adults, as they go through both mental and physical decline as a result.
It may be hard to make new friends at their age, but being in assisted living can be a huge help. There are built-in connections through:
- Group activities
- Outings
- Fitness programs
- Communal dining
Decline in Home Maintenance or Personal Environment
If your parents are having a tough time with ADLs, then chances are, they're struggling to do upkeep for their home as well. In turn, they may be living in a cluttered and unkempt house, which is bad for their health.
Moving to assisted living can eliminate multiple homeowner burdens. There's maintenance-free living, as things like housekeeping and maintenance are provided by the staff.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is the 40-70 Rule for Aging Parents?
The 40-70 rule for aging parents was developed by experts to encourage families to talk about aging, health, and long-term care. The key thing is to do so before a crisis occurs.
The rule recommends that if you're around the age of 40, and your parents are around the age of 70, it's time to talk about:
- Health and medical wishes
- Finances
- Living arrangements
- Legal matters
The idea is to do proactive planning. This allows you to take care of important issues before a stressful situation arises, and it makes assisted living transitions easier.
Should I Give Up My Life to Care for an Elderly Parent?
This is a deeply personal question, but the crucial thing to remember is that you don't have to sacrifice your own well-being to do family caregiving. Before making such a big decision, think about several factors:
- Emotional and physical health
- Financial stability
- Available support systems
- Alternative care options
Your goal should be to find a sustainable caregiving balance. Helping your aging parents may mean getting them assisted living or memory care support, not you sacrificing your whole life to care for them.
What Is the Most Difficult Thing for Elderly People to Deal With?
These are the most difficult things for elderly people to deal with:
- Loss of independence
- Social isolation
- Health decline
- Memory and cognitive issues
- Financial insecurity
How Is Most Assisted Living Care Usually Paid For?
Most of the costs of assisted living care are paid for by personal funds. Other options are:
- Long-term care insurance
- Veterans' benefits
- Life insurance conversions
- Family contributions
Consider Assisted Living Care for Your Elderly Parents
After reading this article, you may have realized that assisted living care for your elderly parents is needed. In that case, consider Discovery Commons Brookfield, as we have upscale apartment homes available. In addition, there are plenty of amenities for your parents to enjoy in their golden years.
If you want to schedule a tour of a senior living community in Brookfield, WI, contact us today. Discovery Commons Brookfield has a 24/7 emergency call system to ensure our residents are safe and secure.