If you have a parent who is elderly, you might find that you and your other close family members will have to make some difficult decisions in the coming months and years. For example, you might have to decide as a family that it is time for your elderly parent to move from their existing home into an assisted living facility. Of course, this is not an easy decision to make, but in many cases, it can be very helpful. Naturally, every elderly individual and every family is different; if you are wondering if it might be time for your loved one to move into an assisted living facility, however, you might want to watch out for these signs that this might be the case.
They're Tired of Having so Much Responsibility
Many people become tired of all of the responsibilities of homeownership or even maintaining a rental home when they get older. After all, it might be tougher for your elderly parent to do things than it used to be, and your loved one might be looking for a break. For many elderly people, living in an assisted living facility — where they don't have to worry about home maintenance — is actually a big relief, since it finally gives them a much-needed break.
They're Feeling Lonely
If your elderly loved one is feeling lonely, you might be wondering if there is anything that you can do to help. In many cases, assisted living facilities make it easy for lonely elderly people to make friends and participate in activities with others who are their age. They will also typically have the opportunity to interact with different staff members on a daily basis, which can also help a lot with loneliness.
They're Having Trouble With Taking Care of Themselves
Many elderly people struggle with things like basic hygiene or taking their medication as they get older. If your loved one is having trouble taking care of themselves, then you may want to look into assisted living or even a nursing home. Then, you can help ensure that your loved one will get the help that they need with basic care.
Your Family Is Concerned About Their Safety
Even if your elderly parent seems to be doing a pretty good job of taking care of themselves, you and the other members of your family might be a little bit worried about their safety. You might all feel a lot more comfortable if your family member lives in an assisted living facility. After all, these facilities are often designed with seniors and their safety in mind, and there are typically trained staff members around who can help with things like preventing elderly people from falling and getting hurt. If something does go wrong, a staff member should be there to render aid very quickly.