If the older adult you love is struggling to maintain their independence, you might be struggling right along with them. While they might recognize that some type of help is needed, adult children aren’t usually very familiar with the ins and outs of senior care in Dallas. And being able to identify the warning signs that indicate a move is necessary isn’t always easy either.
From expired foods in the frig to unopened bills on the counter, here are a few red flags that can signal it is time to consider a move to a Dallas assisted living community.
8 Warning Signs that Indicate a Senior Might Need Assisted Living
- Change in Physical Appearance: Have you noticed a change in your aging family member’s physical appearance? Are they failing to pay much attention to their hygiene? Letting their personal appearance slide can be an indication that they are having trouble maintaining their independence.
- Withdrawing From Favorite Pastimes: Has your loved one stopped participating in volunteer work they have always enjoyed? Dropped out of card clubs and other social organizations? Are they spending more and more time alone? Anything from depression to memory loss might be the cause.
- Unintended Change in Weight: Is your senior loved one gaining or losing weight unintentionally? Does their diet consist of unhealthy fast foods and convenience items? A change in weight might be caused by medical issue or the result of difficulties a senior is having planning and preparing meals.
- Condition of their Home: Another tip off that a senior is struggling is a change in housekeeping habits. Is an always tidy home now messy and dirty? Is laundry piled up? Do you find more than just a few expired foods in the frig? Is the sink full of dirty dishes? Is the trash overflowing?
- Financial Mistakes: Are unopened bills piled up on their desk or kitchen counter? Is their mailbox full of old mail? Are creditors calling about past due bills? Problems managing the checkbook and keeping bills paid is often an early sign of trouble.
- Confusion and Memory Problems: Is your senior loved one easily confused? Do they forget the names of friends and family? Are they missing doctor’s appointments or important family events even though you remind them? A variety of illnesses can be to blame, including Alzheimer’s.
- Medication Mistakes: Almost 100,000 seniors a year are admitted to hospital emergency rooms because of mistakes with medication. Because older adults typically take more medications, the risk for error is significant.
- Unsafe Behind the Wheel: Transportation difficulties are another reason older adults move to an assisted living community. If your aging parent still drives, take a look at their car. Do you find scrapes and dents? More than the usual wear and tear can be a sign they are bumping in to things while driving and might not even be aware of it.
Advice from a Dallas Senior Living Advisor
If more than one or two of the signs mentioned above could be used to describe your parent, it might be time to consider a move. The Senior Living Specialists have helped over 2,000 families in north Texas find assisted living for a loved one. Contact us today to get your search started!
Senior Living Specialists is a free service for seniors and their families. We are compensated by a referral fee when a senior moves into a community or care home. Feel free to call us at at 214-929-5055.
