Having trouble with daily living, declining mental health or physical condition, poor hygiene and diet, or financial problems are all signs that it may be time for a move to assisted living. Even with obvious signs, this can be a complicated conversation to have with your loved one.
Not all seniors are receptive to needing help, especially those who have been independent their entire life. Knowing when to have the conversation with your loved one is as important as knowing their options and when they meet the requirements for an assisted living community.
If you are curious about senior living and assisted living communities in Riverside, reach out to one of our helpful staff members at Villa De Anza.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living describes a situation where a senior receives care in daily activities. This often refers to a specific community that hires staff to ensure the residents get whatever assistance they need—eating, bathing, or dressing, for example.
An assisted living community is also typically meant to be a permanent retirement residence for seniors. For those who prefer to stay in the home they live in already, at-home assisted living may be an option.
Some seniors already have plenty of assistance from friends and family. A short-term solution like respite care may be good if they ever need a break from daily care.
Deciding Which Level of Care Is Right
Before the switch to assisted living, a senior and their loved ones need to decide which type of care to choose. For an aging adult who can still function safely on a daily basis, independent living is likely the best option for them.
But life circumstances may call for certain conditions. For example, if a senior shows signs of dementia or related conditions, preparing for a memory care community may be beneficial. These communities are specially equipped to deal with potential complications when dealing with cognitive problems, such as getting lost or becoming aggressive.
All these different levels of care may determine or point to specific communities for your consideration.
Signs That It’s Time for Assisted Living
Each person is different, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer for when a person needs to move into an assisted living situation. Certain signs loved ones can keep an eye out for, though:
Financial Struggles
When we think of financial struggles, many people just think of not having enough money or spending it on irresponsible things. And while that can certainly be a part of financial struggles, it’s not always the case in an older adult’s situation.
Even without a disease like Alzheimer’s, it’s not uncommon for our memory to suffer (not to be mistaken with dementia). So, managing on-time bill payments, budgeting, and understanding the terms of financial documents can become challenging without help.
Poor Hygiene & Diet
Two significant activities of daily living, or ADLs, are eating and bathing. For the average adult, these aren’t a problem. But when an aging adult cannot cook safely or plan a healthy diet, or they aren’t bathing and showering enough, this could be a sign that it’s time for assisted living.
The teams available to help residents can ensure residents are maintaining a healthy diet and bathing enough.
Declining Mental Health
Around 15% of seniors struggle with mental health problems. Isolation and loneliness are two factors that can play into this. As a person ages, getting out and spending time with friends and family can get more difficult.
In situations like this, the senior may not want to ask for help and feel like a burden. The staff in an assisted living community can help ensure a senior is socializing and getting their mental health needs met.
Trouble Taking Care of Their Household
Homeownership and renting each come with responsibilities. Yard and house maintenance don’t ever stop. Additionally, laundry, dishes, sweeping, etc., are all daily and weekly tasks that need attention.
Most of these are taken care of by an older adult in assisted living. This allows the seniors to relax and enjoy the retirement they’ve earned.
Benefits of Assisted Living
Assisted living communities like Villa De Anza offer many benefits for its residents, including:
- 24/7 safety and security
- Opportunities to engage and socialize with other residents
- Convenience and support
- Access to a number of amenities, like a library and salon services
Assisted living communities also provide peace of mind for its residents and their loved ones with a safe and supportive environment.
Villa De Anza’s team of onsite nurses and staff members are always around to give the care and support each resident needs.
Assisted Living for Your Loved One in Riverside
Finding a suitable community isn’t always a simple task, especially if a senior doesn’t want to make the move into an assisted living community. Perhaps, the senior feels like they will lose their independence.
It’s important to remember that assisted living doesn’t necessarily mean a senior loses all their independence. The team at Villa De Anza is dedicated to giving each resident a warm and nurturing environment that feels just like home.
Contact us today and book a community tour in Riverside.
