Older adults tend to envision themselves aging-in-place at home indefinitely, but over time that can become unsafe and unwise. At some point most seniors need more help, more care and more company than families can provide, signaling that it’s time for senior living. While it can be tough to distinguish normal signs of aging from those that indicate a senior is struggling, here are a few pointers to help.
Signs it may be time for a move to a senior living community
Self-neglect
Seniors living at home can begin to neglect themselves which is a sign it’s time for senior living. According to the merckmanuals.com article, “Self-Neglect in Older People,” self-neglect among seniors can be disruptive to daily life and affect everything from personal hygiene to paying bills to housekeeping to medications and nutrition.
Self-neglect can be purposeful or simply the result of a senior’s inability to manage activities of daily living but statistics show it is widespread. As noted in the nextavenue.org article, “The Hidden Danger of Self-neglect in Older Adults,” in 2019 the National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System found self-neglect constituted 51% of all reported allegations of elder abuse. For families, the signs it may be time for senior living include:
- Body odor and unclean clothes.
- Missed medical appointments and/or medication mismanagement.
- Excessive use of alcohol or illegal drug use.
- Weight loss, poor nutrition and/or dehydration.
- Unclean, cluttered homes or hoarding.
- Clothes that are inappropriate for the weather.
It is also important to know that once self-neglect begins it can spiral making living alone not only unsafe but downright dangerous.
Memory problems
Everyone forgets something now and again, but when a senior seems to be forgetting more and more often, it’s another sign that it’s time for senior living. For families, it’s essential to realize the difference between normal forgetfulness and signs of memory loss associated with dementia. According to the nia.nih.gov article “Memory Problems, Forgetfulness, and Aging,” signs of abnormal memory loss include:
- Repeating the same questions over and over
- Becoming lost in familiar places
- Problems following directions
- Confusion about time, places and people
- Self-neglect
When any of these symptoms occur families should consult a physician to determine if it’s time for senior living.
Mobility concerns
Aging-in-place in a family home can be fine until mobility becomes a problem. Getting around after an illness or injury, using a walker or wheelchair, climbing stairs and other challenges can make life difficult and suggest it’s time for senior living.
Modern luxury senior living communities like The Timbers on Blackwell Creek offer accessibility throughout the community including no stairs or steps to climb, safety features like grab bars and walk-in showers in bathrooms, and caring help always on hand.
Memory care residents also have the benefit of 24/7/365 security so they cannot leave the community unattended and become lost or injured. For an in-depth look at mobility at home versus in senior living check out the webmd.com article, “Mobility and Accessibility: Planning for Your Needs.”
Loneliness and isolation
One often underestimated aspect of aging is loneliness. When mobility declines, spouses and partners pass away, and socializing becomes difficult, the threat of loneliness and the associated health risks increases. As described in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention article, “Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions,” potential health risks include:
- A 50% increase in the risk of dementia.
- A 29% increase in the risk of heart disease.
- A 32% increase in the risk of stroke.
- An increased risk of depression, anxiety and suicide.
- An increased risk of premature death.
When a senior loved one isn’t able to socialize regularly it’s time to consider a senior living environment where friends are nearby and there’s a full calendar of interesting and engaging things to do every day. Among the many options in senior living are group exercise classes, onsite entertainment, games, local excursions, Happy Hours, outdoor activities, and more.
Poor nutrition
One of the most difficult aspects of aging can be getting all the nutrition necessary to stay healthy, active and independent. As noted in the clevelandclinic.org article, “Nutrition for Older Adults: Why Eating Well Matters as You Age,” seniors’ dietary needs change as they age and many struggle to get groceries and prepare meals that meet those needs. When a senior loved one isn’t eating well, it may be time for senior living.
In senior living, nutritious and delicious meals are the norm. Served in a beautiful dining room, residents can choose from a full menu and enjoy every meal in the company of friends and helpful staff. Many communities also welcome families and offer private rooms for special celebrations.
For more information about The Timbers on Blackwell Creek, download your brochure and speak to an advisor.
