When most people think about aging, they don’t like to think about needing elderly care services. Most of us would prefer to be independent, healthy, and self-reliant throughout our lifetimes! The reality, however, is that sometimes the challenges of aging can interfere with these plans for an independent lifestyle. If you find yourself in the position of caring for an elderly loved one, you may feel conflicted about whether or not it’s time to consider assisted living facilities. While you may want to facilitate your loved one’s wishes to remain in his or her own home, there comes a time when the best care is beyond what you can provide. How do you know when it’s time? When is senior care necessary?
- When an older person is struggling with the basic activities of daily life, care is probably necessary. If your loved one seems to be having trouble with personal care, mobility, or eating regularly, this is a red flag. Pay attention if you notice a disheveled appearance, poor hygiene, or weight loss, as these can all point to an inability to care for oneself.
- When tasks necessary to maintain an independent lifestyle become too much, this indicates a need for care. Tasks like laundry, housekeeping, grocery shopping, laundry, bill paying, and meal preparation are all essential for a person to be able to live alone. If you notice your loved one is failing to open mail, forgetting to take medication, or missing appointments, memory issues may be becoming a concern.
- If your loved one’s health begins to decline, it may be time for senior care. New or worsening issues with physical or mental health should never be ignored. Make sure your loved one has a full medical workup, and talk to the health care provider about whether or not it’s time to seek additional care.
- If you are experiencing caregiver burnout, that’s a valid reason to seek care for your loved one. The stress of caregiving can become overwhelming, and you might find yourself neglecting other responsibilities, struggling to keep up at home and work, or failing to take care of your own needs. This indicates that your loved one needs more care than you can comfortably provide.
There are different types of facilities, and finding care is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Some older people who can no longer live independently may find the right level of care in assisted living homes, where they can maintain independence while receiving the help they need. For another senior, assisted living may need to be more a specialized facility, like one offering Alzheimer’s care, also called memory care. Your loved one may benefit from a skilled nursing facility, which offers a high level of care, or you might decide to choose a continuing care retirement community, where there are many different levels of care. These communities offer people the ability to transition into different types of care as their needs evolve.
When it’s time to find senior care for someone you love, you can rely on Helping Hands for Seniors to help you find the best facility or service to meet your needs. For over a decade, Helping Hands has been placing elderly residents into quality housing facilities, and we’ll help you find a safe, permanent, nurturing home for your loved one. We understand how difficult it can be to entrust an important person in your life into the care of another, and we’re committed to helping smooth the transition to a new home. We strive to provide our clients with the best options and educate them so that they can make well-informed decisions. To take advantage of our network of care providers and compassionate services in Portland and the surrounding area, call 503-694-9577 or contact us through our website.