Is It Time for Senior Care?

Figuring out the care needs of an older family member can be tough. As physical and mental abilities begin to decline, it can be hard to discern whether this is a normal part of aging or if it indicates a need for extra help. Considering a move to a senior living community might be a good solution, but knowing when it’s time can be difficult.

At Utah Senior Care Advisors, we understand these dilemmas well. Our team of certified advisors regularly guides families through these crucial decisions. We are trained to evaluate an individual’s care needs and offer tailored solutions based on their unique circumstances. To make the initial step more comfortable, we’d like to highlight some significant signs suggesting it’s time to contemplate senior living options.

When Does Assisted Living Generally Become a Consideration?

Typically, assisted living communities require residents to be at least 60-65 years old, with most individuals moving in between the ages of 75 and 84. However, aging is a unique experience for everyone. Many people opt for options like independent living communities before they require a significant level of care, allowing for a smoother transition to assisted living when more needs arise.

Identifying When It’s Time for Assisted Living or Other Elderly Care Options

The first indication that your loved one may require additional support could be difficulties with mobility and safety. Mobility limitations are common among older adults. A study published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society provides supporting data: about 41% of adults aged 65-79 and 71% of those over 80 have at least one mobility-related disability. These difficulties can affect their ability to move freely and carry out everyday activities.

Signs of potential mobility issues include:

• Unexplained bruising
• Difficulty in rising from a seated position
• Problems with balance and walking
• Unexplained damage to their car
• Neglected housekeeping and laundry pile-up

Another reason your loved one might need extra help relates to hygiene and personal care. When daily self-care tasks become a struggle, a fear of slipping in the bathroom emerges, or mental health conditions like depression or dementia arise, it often indicates mobility issues. In such cases, it’s clear that your loved one might benefit from additional assistance.

Signs to watch out for include:

• Unusual body odor
• Infrequent bathing or showering
• Strong smell of urine in the house
• Deterioration in grooming habits and personal care
• Spoiled food left unattended

Changes in daily routine or home care can show your loved one needs help. Simple tasks like managing money, cooking meals, or enjoying hobbies can become hard as our loved ones grow older. If they find these tasks too difficult due to physical or mental challenges, consider additional support. Subtler signs to be aware of include:

• Piles of unopened mail or an overflowing mailbox
• Unpaid bills or unanswered time-sensitive correspondence
• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
• Mood changes or extreme mood swings
• Poor diet or unexplained weight loss

Sometimes, we all forget things in our busy lives. But, if your loved one starts forgetting important dates, names, or events often or has trouble with tasks like planning or problem-solving, it could be a sign of dementia. This is more than just being a bit forgetful, and it’s important to note it. Other signs to monitor include:

• Missed important appointments or a loss of time tracking
• Changes in speaking or writing abilities
• Forgetting to take medications or taking more than prescribed
• A diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia
• Confusion when performing familiar tasks
• Initiating the Conversation

Being proactive is crucial when considering senior care options. The earlier you start researching, discussing your loved one’s preferences, and observing changes, the smoother the decision-making process will be.

If you notice 5 to 8 of the above signs, it might be time to broach the senior care subject gradually. Spotting ten or more signs suggests it’s time to start planning care arrangements. Either way, a Utah Senior Care advisor can help you explore your options.

Reach Out to Senior Care Advisors Today!

Utah Senior Care Advisors is here to guide you, whether you’re at the beginning of your research or urgently require a senior care solution. We don’t simply provide you with a long list of senior living communities. We aim to be your ally, helping you understand your loved one’s needs, suggesting suitable options, scheduling community visits, and even offering moving day support.

Even after your loved one has settled into their new home, we continue checking in to ensure their care needs are met. Best of all, our services come at no cost to you.

Still uncertain if a senior living community is right for your loved one? Our advisors at Utah Senior Care Advisors are here to help. With extensive knowledge of local senior care solutions, we’re ready to provide personalized assistance when and where you need it. Reach out to Utah Senior Care today!