Recognizing the Signs Your Parents Need Assisted Living Care

Across the country, adult children are facing difficult decisions about their parents’ deteriorating condition and whether their mom or dad is safe and comfortable at home. Acknowledging your parents need help at home is a significant step, but how will you know if they need more support?

Signs it’s Time to Consider Assisted Living

If you see sudden changes in your parents’ appearance, behavior, or home that concern you, that’s reason enough to start looking into senior care. 

There may be certain changes you don’t see right away, especially if you don’t know to look for them. When you’re with your parents, keep the following physical, behavioral, and environmental shifts in mind:

• Poorer personal hygiene or a disheveled appearance
  Are your parents maintaining their usual standards of cleanliness? Pay attention to signs they’re not bathing, brushing their teeth and hair, or washing clothing regularly.
  
  
• A messier, cluttered living space
  A cluttered home can be a sign of physical or cognitive difficulties. Take note if your parents’ home has gotten messier than usual.
  
  
• Spoiled food in the fridge or little food at all
  Check the fridge and cupboards to see if your parents have fresh, nutritious food. If the food is expired or the cupboards are bare, they may not be eating regular meals.
  
  
• Unpaid bills and other questionable financial choices
  Are your parents still on top of their finances or are they neglecting essential expenses? Keep an eye out for unopened bills or any signs utility bills aren’t being paid. You should also take note if your parents mention any recent investments, loans, or purchases that seem suspect or out of character.
  
  
• Any significant changes in their health or mobility
  Can your parents move around as easily? If they have any ongoing medical conditions, do they still seem on top of their treatments and medications? Look out for expired or unopened medications. If you’re aware of their condition and symptoms, look for signs their condition is getting worse.
  
  
• More reserved demeanor and limited social life
  Do your parents seem like themselves? Are they still engaging with friends and family? Do they still take part in their favorite community activities? Be honest with yourself about how they seem.

How Home Care Can Help Your Parents Age in Place

Changes in these areas could indicate it’s time to investigate senior care options for your parents. However, relocating to an assisted living facility can be stressful, disorienting, and disheartening for seniors — most of whom would prefer to age in place.

By introducing in-home care, you can help your parents navigate the most challenging aspects of daily living so they can continue to enjoy the comfort and stability of home. In-home care allows seniors to continue living at home, avoiding a move to assisted living, while receiving the support they need from a friendly, competent caregiver who works on their schedule and with their routines.

Visiting Angels^® offers customized home care services designed to help seniors age in place, even as they experience physical or cognitive decline. Our care professionals can assist your parents with meal preparation, medication reminders, social outings, and other tasks to help maintain their health and happiness.