Recognizing When Your Loved One Could Benefit From Advanced Assisted Living

When you have an elderly loved one, it's not always easy to know when they need advanced assisted living. Aging loved ones tend to cherish their independence and are often hesitant to admit when they need help. Recognizing the signs that your loved one is struggling and could benefit from advanced assisted living could help keep them safe and improve their quality of life.

This informative post aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the signs that indicate your loved one could benefit from advanced assisted living.

1. Memory Loss or Cognitive Decline

A common sign that your loved one could benefit from advanced assisted living is when they start to experience memory loss or cognitive decline. When you notice them struggling to remember things or perform tasks they used to do with ease, it might be time to consider advanced assisted living.

Memory loss or cognitive decline can be caused by dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or stroke. Advanced assisted living facilities have trained staff and resources to cater to these unique care needs.

2. Fall Risks

As we age, our bodies become less flexible, and our bones become weaker. Falls, therefore, become a common occurrence. If you notice that your loved one has suffered from falls or has mobility issues, advanced assisted living could provide safer living conditions and personalized care and attention.

The facilities have support structures in place to ensure your loved one can move around safely, including handrails, non-slip floors, and emergency call buttons. Additionally, trained staff can help with daily tasks to prevent falls and ensure your loved one receives proper care in case of a fall.

3. Declining Physical Health

When your loved one is experiencing a decline in physical health, it might be time to consider advanced assisted living. Difficulty in performing daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, or inability to manage medical conditions with prescription medication adherence can indicate that advanced assisted living is necessary.

Advanced assisted living facilities provide support with daily living tasks in the comfort of their homes, thus reducing the chances of accidents and improving their overall health. Moreover, they have trained medical staff who can assist with medication management to ensure your loved one receives proper and timely treatment.

4. Social Isolation

Older adults often face social isolation, hemmed in by physical or mobility challenges. Social isolation can lead to depression, loneliness, and anxiety, which can have detrimental effects on mental health and well-being.

Advanced assisted living facilities offer social programs and mental health counseling to reduce feelings of isolation and improve quality of life. Additionally, living in a community setting allows for social interactions and companionship with peers, which can have a positive impact on mental health. 

5. Caregiver Burnout

When caring for an elderly loved one, it's essential to keep your mental and emotional health in mind. Caregiver burnout is real and can lead to depression, fatigue, and other emotional and physical exhaustion.

When you notice that you are exhausted from caring for your loved one, it could be a sign that you need to transition to advanced assisted living. With advanced assisted living, you will have respite care, and you can attend to your other life responsibilities guilt-free.

Recognizing the signs that your loved one could benefit from advanced assisted living can be tough, but it's vital to prioritize their health and well-being and provide them with the necessary resources they need to thrive.

Advanced assisted living facilities offer a variety of services, including personalized care plans, safety measures, medication management, social programs, and much more, that significantly improve their quality of life. Keeping these signs in mind can help ensure your loved one gets the care they need and deserve. 

If you're considering advanced care for your loved one, reach out to our enhanced assisted living facility, Rivers of Life. We can answer your and your loved ones' questions and concerns and ensure a smooth transition.