When is the Right Time for Senior Care Facilities?
Caring for elderly relatives is an important responsibility. We do it out of love and compassion because we want them to live the best life possible, and we don’t want them to have to face leaving their family home. For many people, though, there comes a time when living on their own is not realistic or practical. How do you know when it’s time to look into assisted living facilities or some other type of retirement community?
- An older person with chronic health problems may need 24-hour care. If your loved one’s health is worsening, it may be time for elderly care services that can meet his or her medical needs.
- Aggression can be a symptom of dementia. If you’re trying to care for someone who is becoming verbally or physically abusive, it can become overwhelming. In a dementia care facility, though, your loved one would be in a safe place with people trained to manage these situations.
- Someone who is falling frequently may not be able to live alone. Older adults often have mobility issues that can become a threat to their personal safety. If you are concerned that your loved one may fall and be unable to get up or call for help, look into assisted living homes that monitor their residents to keep them safe.
- When forgetfulness becomes chronic, it could indicate the need for a safer space for a senior. Assisted living facilities offer a measure of independence, along with the support that ensures your loved one will remember to take medications and take care of other important tasks.
- Sometimes the ordinary tasks of daily life can become too much for an older adult. You might notice that your family member’s personal hygiene is lacking, the house is messy, or the yard is overgrown. Sometimes, seniors forget to pay bills or open mail, and sometimes they even forget to eat, leading to weight loss and diminished health. If you notice any of these things, talk to your loved one about moving somewhere with more help.
- Psychological and emotional factors can also be valid reasons to consider a move. Maybe your senior is isolated and lonely, beginning to show symptoms of depression. On the other hand, maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed with the responsibility of caring for an older person. Retirement communities don’t just care for older people’s physical needs, they also provide social interaction and support. You can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your loved one is happy and safe, and you can have the space to handle your other responsibilities.
- Dementia can come with alarming symptoms. Your loved one may be agitated at the day’s end because of sundowner’s syndrome, or may be prone to wandering off. Dementia home care is one option to keep an elderly person safe, but a facility designed for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and similar conditions will have more comprehensive dementia care services.
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.