Seniors and Assisted Living: 3 Signs It May Be Time to Move
As Mom and Dad get older, the big question may be looming in the background: When is the right time to provide living support?
Dr. McKee P., a licensed social worker and gerontologist based in South Carolina. Smith told Fox News Digital that there may be a few signs that it’s time to hire a home helper or find a place to live.
1. They are at risk of harming themselves
Most importantly, Smith said, if a senior is at risk of harming themselves or getting into dangerous situations, it’s time to call for help.
Dementia reports that you may develop the disease at age 60 with symptoms as early as age 80.
Smith, who specializes in seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairment, suggests starting with getting help around the house before moving your loved one out of the house.
Experts warn that memory loss can lead to dangerous environments and behaviors for the elderly. (iStock)
“The last thing anyone wants to lose is their freedom,” she said. “The last thing anyone wants is to live in space with 50 strangers.”
Support at home can help reduce self-inflicted risks from accidents such as leaving the stove or mobility problems that can lead to falls.
2. The person has memory problems
As people age, their ability to remember things naturally begins to slow down.
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Sometimes, this appears in the form of diseases such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. The severity of memory loss in the elderly determines whether assisted living is necessary, according to experts.
Smith mentions how forgetting routine tasks and activities like eating can be dangerous to one’s health.
“Respect them enough for their speech, because they still have the ability to make decisions about their lives.” (iStock)
“If their diet is poor, it may be because they have an illness that they don’t tell anyone about,” she says. “They may be struggling with some depression, and really, they just don’t have motivation.”
“Respect them enough for their speech, because they still have the ability to make decisions about their lives.”
The expert advises to look for signs of spoiled food in the refrigerator.
The person may forget how to do simple tasks such as making the bed, washing clothes, washing dishes, or cooking instructions.
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“If they’re having trouble cognitively, they’re having trouble making decisions, and that’s ultimately going to affect … their independence,” Smith said.
3. They repeat themselves
Repetitive thinking is also common in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
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If your loved one is repeating themselves over and over again, Smith says, it’s a good idea to bring in some support, not just for daily living, but also for attention and companionship.
Repetitive thinking is common in individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. (iStock)
“In some cases, it’s because they’re lonely,” she said. “It’s because they live by themselves, and they don’t have any participation or initiative.”
“Very difficult” decision
Smith emphasized how difficult the decision to place a loved one in care can be, especially if it means taking them out of their home.
When it comes to deciding next steps, the senior “must always be part of the conversation,” she stressed.
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“The last thing you want to do is go in and pull away from a place where they feel most comfortable and safe because you feel like they shouldn’t be there,” Smith said.
“Even if they’re in the early stages of dementia, always include them in the conversation,” she encourages. “They still have the openness … to participate in the decision-making process.”
Taking away control and freedom from your loved one can cause problems, the expert warned. Instead, “we need to be there to support them and wrap services around them.” (iStock)
Whether the decision to bring care or move to a new location, Smith said, the senior should never feel unsafe or unfamiliar, as this can increase risk behaviors, cause agitation and lead to health decline.
The conversation should not begin with the assumption that the senior will not accept your question or suggestion.
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“Don’t pretend you don’t remember,” Smith said. “Don’t think you’re going to get angry and belligerent.”
“Respect them enough for their speech, because they still have the ability to make decisions about their lives.”
