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Worsening health problems.
If your aging loved one’s health is declining due to a chronic medical condition, they are not alone. According to the National Council on Aging, 80 percent of older adults suffer from at least one chronic disease and 77 percent have two or more conditions. Rather than trying to manage your loved one’s deteriorating health on your own, it may make more sense for you to partner with a team of professionals who are dedicated to their well-being.
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Changes in hygiene.
Noticeable differences in your loved one’s personal hygiene, like greasy or unwashed hair, unclean teeth or dentures, unkempt fingernails or facial hair, are a cause for concern. Poor hygiene could be due to self-neglect. Other warning signs of self-neglect include:
- Signs of weight loss, malnutrition or dehydration
- No food, inadequate food or spoiled food in the house
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Refusal to take medications or poor management of medication routine
- Unopened mail or overlooked important notices
- Utilities that aren’t working or shut off
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Increased isolation.
According to AARP, seniors exhibiting withdrawal, loss of interest in personal hygiene, poor nutrition or hoarding could be suffering from social isolation. Older adults who live alone often have fewer social ties – and may be more isolated due to memory loss, mobility issues or hearing impairment. Isolation is not healthy for seniors, as it is associated with cognitive decline, depression, chronic diseases and dementia.
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Safety issues.
Think about whether your loved one would be confident in responding appropriately to emergencies like falling, having a medical scare or getting in a fender bender. If your loved one has had instances of forgetfulness, wandering or trouble navigating their home, including the stairs, they may no longer be safe living on their own.
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Difficulty in managing daily tasks.
Many aspects of daily life become more difficult for seniors to keep up with on their own. If physical or cognitive changes are making it harder to manage daily routines, a little extra support can make a meaningful difference. Nearly 18 million older adults report needing assistance with everyday activities — so your loved one is not alone. Assisted Living at Longleaf Liberty Park provides fresh, nutritious meals, support with bathing and grooming, help with medication management, scheduled transportation to appointments, and much more.
While every situation is different, if your loved one shows some of the signs above, it may be time to start a conversation about moving to an assisted living community. At Longleaf, we recognize each individual’s unique needs and work with families to create a personalized care plan. We’re here to help in any way we can as you navigate this stage in your or your loved one’s journey.
