Determining when some form of senior living may be needed for an older loved one can be a challenge. Are they exhibiting typical signs of aging, or is it something more? Many older adults require assistance with daily tasks as they age, so an assisted living community can be an ideal option to help meet their needs but still promote their independence. For older adults experiencing cognitive changes, the secure environment and daily care and support provided in a memory care community can be the solution families are seeking.
Knowing how to spot the signs that senior living is right for your loved one is important and can make the process easier. This curated list of signs from the Emory Mills Senior Living team outlines what to look for in your loved one. Let’s get started!
5 signs your loved one may benefit from senior living
#1 Safety concerns
There’s a reason safety is number one on the list, as it should be your primary focus when assessing an aging loved one. Has your loved one forgotten to turn off the oven or stovetop? Is your loved one at an increased risk of falls due to a health condition or side effects from medications? Do you feel confident your loved one can quickly call for help in an emergency?
Senior living prioritizes safety for older adults. This means a senior-friendly environment with accessible suites and common spaces, including handrails, ramps, adequate lighting, and an emergency response system.
#2 Health conditions
Seniors may navigate varying health conditions as they age. Some situations, however, may require more supervision and assistance than others. Is your loved one dealing with a chronic condition that’s hard for them to manage on their own? Has your loved one experienced a sudden weight loss or gain? Do they have difficulty climbing stairs or getting up from a chair or bed? Are they experiencing cognitive changes or memory loss?
Senior living offers supportive care so older adults can live as safe and independently as possible. A senior living community often provides specialized services that can significantly improve an older adult’s quality of life and overall well-being.
#3 Lack of socialization
Social opportunities may naturally decrease as we age. However, it’s essential to pursue socialization as much as possible to help prevent loneliness and social isolation, which can lead to mental and physical health concerns. Has your loved one given up driving? Does your loved one have active friendships? Do they have reliable transportation to pursue hobbies, meet with friends, and more?
Senior living provides many opportunities for seniors at varying stages of abilities and cognitive changes to live an engaging, active lifestyle among peers. A senior living community offers a full calendar of activities, classes, special events, and outings for your loved one to explore. On-site conveniences and transportation services make living a meaningful life with friends easier.
#4 Household chores and daily tasks
Managing a home as we age can be overwhelming. There is usually a constant list of things to repair or maintain in addition to housekeeping, laundry, and chores. Is your loved one feeling stressed over keeping up with these tasks? Have they let food and medications expire without realizing it or tend to let their garbage pile up? Has your loved one forgotten to pay the bills or fallen victim to a scam? Are they able to manage their medications and shower and dress without assistance?
Older adults in a senior living community get help with these things (and more) in a maintenance-free, supportive environment. A dedicated senior living team will handle all the interior maintenance and help assisted living and memory care residents with daily tasks like bathing, grooming, and managing medications.
#5 Access to nutritious meals
Older adults facing transportation challenges may struggle to secure fresh and nutritious foods. Does your loved one have excessive stale, expired foods in their pantry? Do they live on TV dinners or fast-food meals? Has a poor diet affected your loved one’s health?
Senior living offers daily chef-prepared nutritious meals, with options for residents with special diets or preferences. Older adults typically enjoy restaurant-style dining, where they can choose from a menu while dining in a venue among their neighbors.
Consider the peace of mind of senior living care
If your loved one is exhibiting several of the signs above, it may be time to consider senior living. The senior-friendly environment has many benefits and can provide peace of mind to both you and your loved one. Contact us with any questions about assisted living or memory care – we’re happy to help you any way we can!
Find compassionate care and specialized support at Emory Mills
Offering a scenic view of the valley with the convenience of city living, family-owned Emory Mills provides assisted living and memory care to older adults. The comforting, secure, and homelike environment supports each individual with personalized care and the specialized and research-based I’m Still Here ® approach to meaningful and purposeful living.
Download our brochure to explore our customized services, a wide variety of amenities, and beautiful floor plans.
