7 Signs Someone Needs Senior Living

As someone ages, they begin to wonder how they will comfortably live for the remainder of their lives. Senior citizens often worry about how to manage the challenges that come in their golden years.

For some seniors, there might be cause to moving into a senior living community. These communities are places where seniors can enjoy time with other seniors.

They can have their privacy when needed. They can also receive care and medical attention if there’s ever a need.

So how do you know if someone in your life needs senior living communities?

Here are the signs a senior needs to transition to living in a senior living community.

1. They Are Forgetful

One of the major signs a senior needs assisted living happens when they become more forgetful.

If they are unable to recollect recent events then this is one of the early warnings. If the memory loss ventures into Dementia or Alzheimer’s then they definitely need professional care.

If you begin to notice any memory loss in a senior, this is something you shouldn’t ignore. At worst, a senior might not remember their own children, experience paranoia, or behave irrationally.

Speak to a doctor to ask their opinion on if it’s time to transition to a senior living community.

2. Poor Mobility

Have you noticed that a senior has poor mobility? Do they fall or injure themselves often?

If they have challenges moving around or face permanent physical disability, then they’ll benefit from a senior living community.

These issues are one of the main reasons why seniors move into assisted living communities.

These communities are constructed to make it easier to navigate when there’s limited mobility. Senior living communities also have the professional nursing staff to assist with mobility issues.

3. Unusual Behavior

If a senior exhibits any unusual behavior, then you want to keep an eye on them more often. If the behavior persists, then you want to seek professional care.

It’s often best for such seniors to move to assisted living communities. When they exhibit aggressive behavior they often cannot take care of themselves.

If they live with their family, they can become a nuisance in the household.

The staff at a senior living community are trained to help seniors with difficult behavior.

They know how to communicate with such seniors and how to help them leave peacefully with these behaviors.

4. They Want Their Space

Many seniors just want to have their space where they can live on their own. But as a family member, you might also worry about the challenges they may face in their old age.

You want to make sure they have their independence. But you also want them to have professional care when they need it.

You also want them to find other seniors with whom they can interact and enjoy recreational activities.

Senior living communities offer independent living options. These ensure that seniors have private quarters that allow them their independence.

Within a community, they also don’t have to stress about their security or about assistance in an emergency.

If your senior wants their space you should respect their decision. But if you are also concerned about any aging issues, speak to them about an independent living option.

5. Poor Hygiene

If you notice poor hygiene in your senior, this is a major cause for concern. This can start with someone not combing their hair or trying to look their best. This can continue with not brushing their teeth or clipping their nails.

A disregard for cleanliness shouldn’t be overlooked and can become severe. At the worst end, they might not wash. They might soil themselves and not clean afterward. 

With a senior living community, the senior can receive care to help them with their hygiene. If they have difficulty in cleaning themselves, there’ll be a nurse by their side to assist.

6. Neglecting Responsibilities

Have you noticed that your senior has neglected any of their responsibilities? This can mean that they stopped taking their medication. It can be that they are forgetting to pay their bills.

It can also extend to not eating meals or exercising or doing their ablutions. When seniors age, they can often neglect the responsibilities that are expected of all adults. 

At first, you might wish to remind them or help them with some of their tasks. If you find that they cannot keep up, then it’s time to consider a senior living community.

7. Withdrawal

Seniors who live on their own often feel isolated and begin to withdraw from society. They can face serious consequences from this isolation such as loneliness, depression, and anxiety.

They can also experience physical health issues such as extreme weight loss or extreme weight gain.

Take a moment to observe if your senior has become less social. Do they no longer partake in their favorite hobbies? Have they stopped visiting friends or family members? What about missing out on church services? 

It’s imperative that your senior engage themselves with the world. Socialization is a human need and many seniors have difficulty in socializing in their later years.

If you find that your senior has withdrawn from the world, you can revitalize their energy through senior living communities.

Speak to the Senior

It’s imperative that you speak to your senior beforehand. Some seniors will be thrilled at the idea of staying in senior living communities.

Others will be reluctant and might become hostile at the suggestion.

It’s best to discuss why you feel they should consider the community. Schedule a tour around the community and have a staff member speak to the senior.

They can help the senior in your life transition to this new way of life.

Find Your Senior Living Communities

Now that you know the benefits of senior living communities, you can find the right one for your senior.

These are great places for seniors to enjoy their golden years, make new friends, and receive the professional care you need.

If your senior lives in Meridian, Idaho consider The Pointe. We’re a senior living community with facilities for assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Reach out to us today for a pre-leasing appointment.