5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Assisted Living: A Guide for Families

As family members get older, you want to look out for them and be prepared for whatever their lives may bring. Most importantly, you want them to enjoy a high, invigorating quality of life. Assisted living may be the solution you’re looking for.

If you find yourself worrying about a loved one, look out for these signs. It may be time to consider an assisted living community.

Signs It’s Time to Talk About Assisted Living Communities

1. A Decline in Hygiene and Cleanliness

Noticeable changes in your loved one’s hygiene and living conditions are causes for concern. Warning signs you should look out for are unpleasant body odors, unwashed hair, weight loss, malnutrition, unsanitary rooms, excessive clutter, and poor medication management. These could be due to self-neglect.

2. Safety Concerns

If your loved one has experienced multiple instances of falling or forgetfulness, they may no longer be safe living on their own. Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths, and impaired memory could be an indication of a more serious health issue.

3. Needing Assistance with Activities of Daily Living

If your loved one is having some trouble with activities of daily living such as showering, dressing, using the restroom, eating, and walking, they may greatly benefit from an assisted living community. You can rest easy knowing that they will be supported and well taken care of there.

4. Medical and Health Concerns

If your loved one has a chronic illness and it is becoming increasingly harder for you to look after them, it may be time to escalate their level of care and attention. There is no shame in looking for a community that better meets your loved one’s ongoing medical needs.

5. Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Depression

Like self-neglect, social isolation and loneliness are signs of early mortality. Isolation is associated with cognitive decline, dementia, and chronic health issues. Assisted living communities encourage seniors to lead a socially active life with activities and events such as fitness and dance classes, happy hours, game nights, and more.

How Does Assisted Living Work?

Assisted living communities are communities that offer older adults an active, social lifestyle in a safe, long-term, and residential campus.

Benefits of assisted living include communal, restaurant-style dining, personal transportation, concierge services, amenities such as pools and fitness centers, and a calendar of fun, engaging events. The goal is to help seniors live a fun and engaging lifestyle, combating those common symptoms mentioned above.

Many assisted living residents live independently; some may receive extra everyday support. Residents can request basic, personalized care such as medication management and assistance with activities of daily living based on their needs and preferences.

The main difference between assisted living and a skilled nursing facility or nursing home is the level of specialized medical care the residence offers. Skilled nursing facilities provide professional nursing care temporarily for recovering patients, while nursing homes provide extensive, 24/7 long-term medical care for people who cannot live independently.

Some assisted living communities offer memory care services and communities for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Memory care specialists are trained to assist residents prone to wandering or sundowning and can help them maintain a comfortable routine.

Who Qualifies for Assisted Living?

Assisted living residents are typically seniors, or anyone ages 65 or over. The age range for each community will vary. Other factors considered are medical conditions, if any, and the need for support.

Consider Chelsea Senior Living

At Chelsea Senior Living, our residents live every moment with unlimited potential.

Our communities are rich in amenities, services, and activities that are conveniently located near the residences. These include fitness centers, restaurant-style dining rooms, daily happy hours, fully stocked libraries, indoor and outdoor pools, and more.

At Chelsea Senior Living, assisted living looks like a private studio, one-bedroom two-bathroom, or two-bedroom two-bathroom apartment.

Schedule a tour today to see our beautiful campus and meet our friendly staff and residents.