Signs it is Time to Move Into a Senior Living Community

Senior living comes with several benefits, but you might wonder if your elderly parent is ready for this next step. There are many different options to consider, such as assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. But before you make the decision, you should make sure your aging parent is comfortable with the choice you make before moving into a senior living facility.

Here are some signs that your loved one may be ready to move into a senior living community:

1. Their health has declined quickly.

It is common for our health to deteriorate as we grow older. When someone’s health suddenly declines or if they are diagnosed with a chronic illness at a young age, they are usually ready to move into a senior living facility. The decline in someone’s health will require them to have more frequent medical attention, so if you do not have the time or the skills to provide it, you will need to find someone who can. A senior living facility will take care of all your loved one’s needs regularly if you decide to move them there. Each team member undergoes ongoing training in order to maintain the highest level of care for their residents. 

2. They are having more financial problems.

As we age, financial difficulties are also common. It is not uncommon for your aging parent to lose track of their finances and forget the bills they need to pay. As a result, bills can pile up, and penalties or late fees may be applied. Also, older adults are often targeted by scammers who know they are vulnerable to financial frauds and target them with a variety of financial scams. The loss of much of your loved one’s finances may not be apparent to him or her until a significant amount of their finances has been lost.

3. They spend most of their time alone.

You may see your once sociable loved one spending more time alone than you remember them doing in the past. A growing sense of isolation could also indicate that your loved one is ready to start looking for a suitable senior living community. Several reasons, such as difficulty driving, can cause seniors to isolate themselves. It’s likely that your loved one will spend more time at home when getting from one place to another becomes more challenging. Senior living communities allow your aging parent to participate in activities without having to drive anywhere. Additionally, most communities provide transportation to and from doctors’ appointments, so they don’t need to worry about it. Some communities may also have a doctor on site who can monitor the health of your loved one.

4. They have shown a decrease in personal hygiene.

When your parent becomes physically impaired, simple tasks like bathing can become difficult. Because of this, your parent may go longer without bathing or doing laundry. In the absence of proper personal hygiene, a person may suffer from various health conditions or worsen existing conditions.

In the event you are noticing any of these signs in your loved one, it is important to become familiar with the different options for senior living. At Royal Oak Nursing Center in Dade City, Florida, we offer senior care for every situation. Whether your loved one needs skilled nursing care for a recent injury, or you need a break from caregiving, our expert team has you covered. Give us a call today at (352) 567-3122 to learn more.