When you or a loved one begins to age, life changes. Some of these changes are natural and require just a few adjustments, and other changes make daily life more challenging and frustrating. When you start to notice your loved one is showing signs they can no longer do things on their own, it might be time to consider a move to an assisted living community.
Luckily, you don’t have to figure this out alone. There are three common signs that serve as your clue that a transition is in order. While it’s difficult to face facts that life is changing, keep in mind the ultimate goal of an assisted living community is to provide a better quality of life for your loved one and for you as a support person.
Sign #1: Transitioning from Loved One to Caregiver
Have you noticed that you are called on to help with daily tasks more often? Do you find yourself struggling to accommodate all the demands your aging loved one is putting on you? Are you starting to stress yourself out with the burden of caring for an aging parent or family member? All of these are signs that a change is in order. When you start to transition out of the role of friend or family member and into the role of sole caregiver, it might be time to seek help.
Sign #2: Abnormal Aggression from Your Loved One
Are you starting to notice building frustration in your aging loved one? Do they act out more in physical or verbal violence towards you or others around them? While this aggression is most often misguided, it can happen frequently with individuals dealing with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It is often referred to as sundowning or “Sundowners Syndrome“. When frustrations are growing, it’s definitely time to consider assisted living communities near you.
Sign #3: Home Safety Concerns
Do you find yourself worrying during the day about your loved one’s safety at home? Have there been any falls or accidents? Do you think your loved one is unsafe if you leave them home alone? This is a major warning sign that they may no longer be fit to live independently. Especially when showing signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s imperative that you take steps to find your aging loved one a safe and secure assisted living community to give them the senior care services they need.
How to Talk to Your Parents About Assisted Living
No matter when you approach the situation, it’s going to be a difficult conversation. That is exactly why there is no reason to put it off. The sooner you start addressing the needs of your parent or loved one, the sooner they can start adjusting to life at an assisted living community.
Find a few locations nearby and schedule tours. Make sure your loved one understands all the amenities, benefits and opportunities available to them in an assisted living community. Focus on the positive aspects of the move.
Peregrine Senior Living Provides an Enriching Aging Experience
Peregrine Senior Living is an assisted living community dedicated to providing only outstanding care to seniors, especially seniors with memory loss. It is our mission to revolutionize expectations for the aging process through our philosophy, The Peregrine Way™®. Learn more about our unique perspective and schedule a tour of our assisted living community.
