When Is It Time for Assisted Living? Key Signs to Consider

Are you unable to complete daily tasks, feeling lonely, or struggling with a chronic health issue? According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 1,016,400 seniors reside in a residential care community. Relying on a senior living community's resources and amenities can help you avoid these struggles.

If you've recently asked yourself, "When is it time for assisted living?" don't worry, we can help. Read on to discover the signs it's time to explore your senior living options.

Changes to Senior Care Needs

As you get older, you may notice changes in your daily needs. Aging and independence go hand-in-hand. While you may want to maintain your independence, these changes may require you to ask for help.

Here are a few senior care needs that may indicate it's time to look into your assisted living options.

Needing Daily Living Support

Activities of daily living (ADLs) can become an ongoing concern as you age. These include:

Putting on clothes
Keeping nails and hair trimmed
Functional mobility (walking, shifting positions, etc.)
Bathing
Maintain dental hygiene
Using the toilet

Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are more complex tasks. These include:

Housekeeping and home maintenance
Transportation
Using the phone or computer
Preparing and eating meals
Managing money
Managing medications

According to the Schwartz Center for Economic and Policy Analysis, about 20% of adults ages 55 and older have difficulty with ADLs. Only 11.6 million receive help.

Healthcare professionals use ADL assessments to determine if seniors need additional help. Try self-reporting. Make notes about changes in your ability to perform these tasks.

Be honest about where you're struggling, and feel comfortable asking for help. You can move into an assisted living community for support with these tasks. The community's personalized care services can help improve your quality of life.

Cognitive Decline

Your senior care needs may change if you're experiencing cognitive decline. Conditions that impact cognition and memory include dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

You may need help with ADLs. Moving into a community will ensure you have supervision to live safely.

Frequent Accidents

If you're unable to take care of yourself, you may have an accident or sustain an injury. A slip-and-fall accident may cause:

Hip fractures
Head injuries/concussions
Broken bones

An injury can reduce your mobility and independence. It could cause a disability, affecting your ability to complete tasks or socialize.

To reduce your risk of an accident, consider moving into a senior living community. You'll gain access to help, support, and professional resources.

Otherwise:

Wear comfortable shoes
Use assistive devices
Exercise to improve your strength and balance

If you're concerned about falling, speak to a medical professional. They can help you make informed changes to reduce your risk.

Social Isolation

According to the National Library of Medicine, about 24% of community-dwelling seniors ages 65 and older are socially isolated. Social isolation can increase your risk of premature mortality. It's also associated with a 50% increased risk of dementia.

Other consequences of social isolation include:

Depression and anxiety
Cognitive decline (memory issues)
Elevated blood pressure (increasing the risk of heart disease)
Weakened immunity
Poor lifestyle choices

If you feel lonely or isolated, consider moving into an assisted living community. Living among other residents will encourage social interaction. You can live a happy, enriching life.

Look for senior living communities that offer engaging activity programs. You can enjoy activities like game nights, fitness classes, and more among new friends.

Health Concerns

Consider finding a senior living community if you have an underlying condition that requires ongoing care. You can find communities based on your unique needs and concerns.

Medication Management

Mistakes with medication management can be life-threatening. According to the National Library of Medicine, adults ages 65 and older are seven times more likely to experience an adverse drug event (ADE) annually than younger adults.

In one year, ADEs were implicated in 660,000 US emergency department visits. If you have an underlying condition that requires you to take medication, consider finding an assisted living community.

The staff will give you reminders to take your medications on time. They can administer medications if needed. This ensures you take the correct medication at the right dosage and time.

Poor Nutrition

Poor nutrition can cause other health concerns. Unfortunately, some seniors lack the energy or resources to shop for groceries or cook. This can affect your nutrition, causing unintentional weight loss or gain.

Many senior living communities offer dining programs. You can work with a professional to develop a personalized meal plan based on your needs or health concerns.

Mobility Issues

If you have mobility issues, you may need help with bathing, dressing, and other tasks. You may develop issues due to:

Joint pain
Balance issues
Arthritis or another underlying condition

Perhaps your home isn't safe. For example, maybe your bedroom is on the second floor and difficult to access.

Moving into an assisted living community can help you remain mobile. Getting around the community can encourage you to socialize and partake in daily activities. Other common features include:

Wide walkways and doorways
Non-slip flooring
Personal alert systems
Walk-in showers

Exploring Assisted Living Options

Before looking for daily living support, consider:

The level of care you need
Proximity to family and friends
Features and amenities
Staff qualifications
Activities and programming
Cost and payment options
The overall atmosphere

After creating a list of local senior living communities, choose a few and schedule tours. This will allow you to get a feel for the environment. Prepare a list of questions you want to ask.

Look for communities that offer personalized care plans. They'll meet your distinct needs, ensuring you enjoy your golden years in comfort.