If you have an older adult in your life, perhaps a parent, grandparent, partner, or friend, chances are you may be wondering what is best for them. You may be providing care and companionship as needed while watching them continue to live independently — and that’s good! But there might come a day when the services of a senior care placement agency are needed. The fact is, caregivers are often confronted with the harsh truth that their elderly loved one is no longer capable of, or having difficulty with, living alone safely. When that realization arrives, it's important to recognize it and respond with compassion and respect — and it helps to understand the choices available in this situation. When someone is faced with the prospect of losing their independence, it can be a delicate time.
Professionals at senior care placement companies, like Senior Care Authority, are trained to identify the signs that suggest some type of assisted living situation may be warranted. Below are a few of them. As you read through, know that any one sign doesn’t necessarily mean assisted living is needed; but if more than one exists and persists, it may be time to consult with an expert who can help you evaluate the situation and navigate the options.
- Care becomes unmanageable: a loved one becomes needier or less capable of performing things independently, creating a high level of stress and overwhelm for the family caregiver.
- Accidents happen more often: a senior is falling more frequently or suffering close calls that could result in serious injuries.
- Medical care is needed more regularly: medical monitoring, whether for a chronic condition that is worsening or slow recovery from injury, is required more frequently.
- Personal hygiene becomes more difficult: Personal care clearly becomes neglected even though the senior claims to be performing daily bathing and other self care themselves.
- Diet suffers: food regularly goes bad in the refrigerator, and/or the senior is losing weight because they are not eating well enough to maintain their health.
- Housekeeping is neglected: the house is no longer clean and free of clutter, posing a health risk on several levels.
- Home becomes dangerous: stairs become difficult to manage, bathtubs are hard to get in and out of, and stoves become a danger to use.
- Memory is compromised: cognitive impairment related to age start to become more obvious, mood swings are evident, and/or your senior becomes reclusive, paranoid, agitated.
- Finances are neglected: bills are not being paid (or are paid twice), creditors are sending final notices, or your senior is investing in scams.
- Driving becomes risky: traffic tickets or unexplained or frequent dents and scratches on the senior’s vehicle become recurring and obvious, suggesting loss of driving skills.
It's essential to keep in mind that very often, it's the seniors themselves who recognize the need for help, feel lonely and isolated, or are afraid for their safety and want to transition into assisted living. To do so is not a sign of weakness, nor does it mean a caregiver is abandoning the loved one. It simply means help that goes beyond what is in place is needed
Turn to a Compassionate Senior Care Placement Agency in St. Louis, MO
At Senior Care Authority, our certified, experienced care advisors can help you and your family navigate what is often a difficult and confusing time. We are a recognized leader in senior living options and eldercare consulting services and can help you sort through your options to help you find the right solution to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re looking to find an assisted living community or need support in understanding other care options, we always take a personalized, thoughtful approach to guide you during every phase of your journey. We know this is not an easy transition for anyone.
Senior Care Authority is a leader in eldercare solutions. To find out more, reach out today.