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When your parent starts getting older it can be hard to deal with. This is because you are used to them being your caregiver and when it seems as if the roles have to reverse it can be challenging. It can also be very challenging for them as well.
However, there are certain times when inevitably you have to ask yourself whether or not an elderly parent needs assisted living. There are always telltale signs that you cannot afford to ignore.
Ignoring them can be detrimental to their health and well-being. Take a look at the top signs that assisted living has become necessary for your loved one.
Failure To Take Medication
When an elderly parent does not remember to take medication it can be very harmful. Often elderly people have chronic illnesses that need to be managed with medication consistently.
If your parent is forgetting to take their medication very often, then this could have adverse effects. If you're unable to help them administer medication it may be time to look into assisted living facilities.
Loss Of Mobility
A loss of mobility is another reason why your parents may need assisted living. Being unable to move around freely means that they will not be able to get from one place to the next.
They may not be able to go to the doctor by themselves or even to the supermarket. This means that their basic needs will not be taken care of. Once mobility starts deteriorating it often does not return and the best thing you can do is to make sure that you are prepared for that.
Bear in mind that when your elderly loved one has mobility issues it might increase their risk of falling. Falls can be dangerous to the elderly and can lead to severe injuries. An assisted living facility can provide all the help your loved one needs.
Isolation And Depression
As people get older their friends and even their spouses may pass on. This can leave them feeling isolated and depressed. This may begin to overwhelm your loved one so much that they start to feel isolated and very depressed.
These feelings may lead to them having mood swings and putting on or losing weight. A loss of weight and excessive weight gain cannot be problematic for elderly people. Once you notice these symptoms, get help from an assisted living facility.
In a facility like this, they will feel less isolated, be able to socialize with others, and have someone to take care of their needs.
Make The Right Choice
You must make the right choices when you are taking care of an elderly parent. It can be difficult to accept that your parent needs help, but it is a must.
You can help them adjust to the idea of being in an assisted living facility by involving them in the process of selecting the facility they want. This will help them feel more comfortable with the entire process.
