Signs It Might Be Time for Assisted Senior Living

Did you get a chance to visit with family this holiday season?  With all the hustle and bustle of planning family gatherings, you may not have had time to reflect on the health and wellbeing of your older relatives.  Were they behaving in a way that’s different from usual?  Changes in behavior can often indicate health problems and other issues that could mean your family member is in need of medical support they can’t get living on their own.  If you noticed something different about an older family member this holiday season, it may be time to consider talking to them about making the transition to an assisted or independent senior living community.  Here are a few signs that your loved one may need the type of care that can only be provided in a senior living community.

Problems with the Activities of Daily Living

Having a good quality of life means taking care of dozens of small tasks every day.  These include things like preparing food, cleaning, personal hygiene, and paying bills on time.  While younger people may take these tasks for granted, they can be extremely difficult for older people.  If you notice a family member is having trouble with activities like brushing their teeth, doing laundry, or just getting around the house, transitioning to a senior living community may be appropriate for them.

Significant Weight Gain or Weight Loss

Grocery shopping and preparing nutritious meals can require significant effort that can be tough to manage for some older people.  If you have a relative who suddenly gains or loses weight, it could be because they’re having a hard time maintaining a healthy diet.  Senior living communities like Summerset offer healthy and delicious dining options that allow seniors to get the nutrients they need without having to go out shopping or risk injuries while cooking.

Frequent Injuries

Falls in the home are the most common cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for people over the age of 65.  Limited mobility, poor eyesight, and other medical conditions can make seniors much more likely to fall down or sustain injuries in other ways.  If you see an older family member is frequently injured (even if those injuries are minor) it could be a sign that they need the kind of medical support offered by a senior living community.

Increasing Isolation

Maintaining good health in your golden years isn’t just about the physical body; it’s about mental health as well.  We all depend on our relationships with other people to deal with mental health issues like depression, which is common in the senior community.  If you think your older family member isn’t getting many visitors or they mention feeling isolated or lonely, moving to a senior community will give them ample opportunities to develop new friendships and participate in fun, engaging social activities.

Getting older isn’t easy for anyone, which is why it’s important for you to be supportive of your senior family members.  They may not always be able to recognize these problems on their own, so it’s up to you to communicate openly with them about the difficulties they’re having.  A senior living community may be exactly what they need to improve their quality of life in their golden years.  If you need more information or you’d like to schedule a free tour, get in touch with Summerset Senior Living in Lincoln, CA today by calling (916) 409-4150.