Atkinson Family Practice

As your parents or other loved ones get older, you may have to help them decide the best place to live. While many older adults would like to stay in their current homes throughout their golden years, for many seniors assisted living is a better option.

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Sometimes it’s difficult to determine whether your loved one can continue to live on their own. However, some signs may emerge that it’s time to consider assisted living. There will be modifications for them to use, such as handlebars everywhere to steady themselves, walk-in bathtubs (go now to view how they can be installed if they are living with you), wheelchairs access, etc. there is a lot that can be done to make it easier on their situation.

 

What is assisted living?

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After55 explains that assisted living facilities are long-term care options that offer personal, medical, and social support for people who need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, dressing, toileting, showering, and mobility. Assisted living can also provide help with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) such as communication skills, transportation, meal preparation, shopping, housework, medication management, and financial assistance.

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Downturn in health

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If your loved one is suffering from health problems that have been getting worse, they have fallen more than once, or they have been forgetting to take their medications, it may be time to move into assisted living.

With nurses on staff and medication administration available, assisted living can provide a safe environment for older people who are experiencing these types of issues. However, when researching assisted living in your area, you will need to determine if the facility is capable of handling their needs. Assisted living communities typically have scheduled times for licensed nursing services and may have on-call nurses, but they do not have 24/7 skilled nursing care or handle medically intensive needs like a skilled nursing community. These facilities fill important needs, but there are expenses involved. As Medicare.org explains, there are several options for covering the cost, like self-insurance and government assistance. If your loved one is heading into a nursing home, decide what your best route for payment is.

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Social isolation

Social isolation is a serious problem among seniors. Some research indicates social isolation can lead to high blood pressure, weakened immunity, and obesity, as well as cognitive decline and depression. Signs of social isolation include a disinterest in activities they used to enjoy, refusing help from aides or neighbors, lack of personal hygiene, and growing irritability. Moving a loved one to an assisted living facility can ensure that they get the care that they need.

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If your parent, friend, or relative does not have someone to check on them regularly or a group of peers to socialize with, then assisted living may be the answer to combat social isolation. Assisted living communities offer common meals, social activities, wellness programs, and supervision by staff. Therefore, your loved ones can have their social needs met as well as the supervision they need in this stage of their lives. Alternatively, they can use websites like this one https://srcarecenter.com/locations/senior-care-in-anaheim/ to find the best care home environment for them to live in and be able to get the support they need, making them feel more comfortable and happy.

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Talking to Your Loved One About Assisted Living

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Broaching the subject of moving out of their home and into assisted living can be extremely difficult if your loved one highly values their independence. Though they will need to leave their familiar home and relinquish some of that independence, you need to have an honest yet sensitive discussion, stressing the benefits of assisted living. Senior Path suggests encouraging other friends or family members to participate in the conversation with you, and you might need to touch base with your loved one’s doctor for information.

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You can point out that assisted living communities offer a safer environment with daily living assistance and available nursing care. Seniors are housed in an apartment-like environment with their own space, but also have the convenience of prepared meals and social opportunities. By explaining all of these benefits and other details about assisted living, your loved one may welcome the idea.

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If your parent or another person you care about has growing health problems, lacks social interaction, or needs help with daily living activities, it may be time to transition to a new environment. Though they may be resistant about leaving their current home and neighborhood, the benefits of an assisted living community may help them live a longer, happier, and healthier life, whilst giving them the invaluable care that they deserve. This could be particularly important if your loved one is starting to show signs of ailments like Alzheimer’s or Dementia, and places like this meridian senior memory care living facility could be just what your loved one needs to live the remainder of their life in the best way possible. This is because it could provide them with benefits that they can only dream of. It’s worth it to approach this difficult subject and weigh the options carefully.

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