You have seen your mother or father age, and it has been a mixed advantage. The stories of their youth come tumbling out these days, both moving and funny — but you may notice the voice telling those stories is growing weaker and weaker. They have all the time to get around, but they are reducing down, and it is getting harder to get from point B to point A and vice versa. They used to be fast, always clean your room after you, and now it is you seeing dust on the furniture and other signs they are not keeping up with the housework.
These are all-natural signs of aging, and they can sneak up slowly. But are they cause for attention?
Should Mom Or Dad Be In The Assisted Living Community?
Assisted living communities like Gardens Care are made for folks who need help with what the health care service calls activities of daily living or ADLs. ADLs can be required, such as feeding and changing oneself and personal health, or instrumental, such as administering finances or medications. When a loved one needs some help with these exercises — beyond what outside services such as grocery delivery can provide — it may be the right time to think of moving. Here are seven very hidden signs Mom or Dad might feel more comfortable, safer, and better with assisted living:
- A messy medicine cabinet. A sneak peek behind the medicine cabinet door may share medicine vials in confusion or pills in the wrong boxes. Because many seniors take multiple prescriptions, managing their medications and taking them as directed may become significantly challenging as they age.
- The disappearing bank balance. Older people are fragile to fraud. Lots of checks made out to fake “charities,’ reliance on a “new best friend” for business advice, or unopened statements from brokerage firms you have never heard of are signs Mom or Dad may be missing control of their investments.
- Weight loss or loss of appetite. Although these are symptoms of poor nutrition, which also requires attention, losing weight, and interest in eating are even signs of distress, affecting the ability to perform many daily living activities.
- They are not doing anything. Social withdrawal and loss of concern in former hobbies are also hidden signs of anxiety. Social removal can bring on depression.
- Brittle/dry hair or ridged nails. These may be signs too. Mom is having trouble supporting herself. Nails and hair are created of proteins and are good indicators of poor nutrition. Lethargy and anger can also be signs.
- Scratches and dents found on the car or garage. Signs of casual recommendations or fender benders to “always getting lost” are signals driving a security issue for Dad or Mom. If you are a passenger in their car, watch out for lane riding or straddling as well.
- Your rising stress levels. Stress sneaks up on us. It is expected that 50% to 80% of caregivers themselves experience depression. If you notice that your anxiety is increasing and your stress over your loved one’s security and wellbeing is growing — if you are worried about them, then consider that this may be the most telling dark sign. Always listen to what your body is telling you about Dad or Mom.
Look For The Five Star Sign
The Willow assisted living communities can take all the stress and anxiety away for you and, of course, your loved one. Our residents are freed from the everyday chores and tasks and have access to full-service medical supplies close to home. Besides, to help with daily living activities, The-Willow-assisted living residents enjoy great food and lots of social movements and communication, even during the pandemic. Find out more about The Willow, and see if there is a community near you!
