Recognizing When It’s Time for Help – A Guide to Assisted Living Decisions for Aging Seniors
As your parents or loved ones age, the question of when to offer extra support can be difficult to navigate. Dr. Macie P. Smith, a licensed social worker and gerontologist in South Carolina, the key signs that it may be time to consider assistance, whether through hiring in-home help or moving them to an assisted living facility.
1. Risk of Self-Harm or Dangerous Situations
If your loved one is at risk of hurting themselves or getting into hazardous situations, it’s likely time to seek assistance. Dr. Smith, who specializes in caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s and cognitive impairments, recommends starting with in-home care to help reduce the risk of accidents like leaving the stove on or falls due to mobility issues.
“The last thing anyone wants is to lose their independence,” Smith said. “Bringing in support at home can be a way to prevent dangerous situations while keeping them in a familiar environment.”
2. Memory Issues and Cognitive Decline
Aging often brings natural memory loss, but when it becomes more severe, it may be a sign that living assistance is needed. Conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia can contribute to significant memory loss, affecting day-to-day tasks such as cooking, laundry, and hygiene.
Dr. Smith advises paying attention to signs of confusion, such as forgetting how to make a meal or missing meals altogether. These could signal issues like poor nutrition or depression. “They may not express pain or emotional struggles, but these signs should not be ignored,” she explained.
Keeping an eye on these changes and having open conversations with your loved one can help determine when it’s time to step in and offer support.
3. Repetition of Words or Actions
Repetition is common among those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. If your loved one is repeating themselves frequently, this could indicate a need for more social interaction or assistance with daily activities. “Sometimes, it’s because they’re lonely and aren’t getting the engagement they need,” Dr. Smith said.
When this happens, it’s important to offer more than just physical assistance. Social engagement, companionship, and emotional support are just as critical for their well-being.
The Difficult Decision to Seek Assistance
Deciding whether to move a loved one to assisted living can be incredibly difficult. Dr. Smith stresses that the senior should always be included in the decision-making process. Even those in the early stages of dementia can still participate in these conversations, as they retain the ability to make decisions and express preferences.
“It’s important not to uproot them from their home just because you think they can’t manage,” Dr. Smith advised. “Respect their autonomy and make sure they feel included in these discussions.”
Whether deciding to hire in-home care or explore assisted living options, the priority should always be to maintain the senior’s sense of comfort and safety. Removing control from them can cause distress, but with the right approach and support, they can continue to lead fulfilling lives with the necessary care.
Source: FOX News