Knowing When It’s Time to Consider Assisted Living

This holiday season every family looks forward to making new memories and enjoying favorite traditions, but the holidays are also a time when family members may notice some changes in their aging parents. Not the occasional forgetfulness of normal aging, but behaviors which indicate something more. Families should discuss their concerns as this can be the key to a successful next step.

“When you spend an extended period of time together, subtle changes may become more apparent, or may occur with greater intensity” said Beverly Sanborn, Vice President, Belmont Village Senior Living. “Noticeable changes in your parents at the holidays could be a sign that they may be struggling with these issues in their daily lives as well.”

Behaviors that indicate a need for higher level of care/support:

• Forgetfulness or difficulty with names of loved ones or common words

• Unusual lack of upkeep of house/property (unread mail, trash piled up, food left out)

• Decreased ability to perform simple tasks

• Issue avoidance due to lack of understanding

• Disorientation of time and place

• Loss of judgment – illogical or out-of-character problem solving

• Weight loss – not cooking/eating regularly

• Personal hygiene change – not bathing, re-wearing clothes repeatedly without washing

• Incorrectly taking medications (skipping, double doses, uncertainty about what to take)

• Losing touch with friends

• Withdrawal from social interactions and/or difficulty following conversations

• Signs of depression. Reduced interest in activities they once enjoyed

• Changes in personality or behavior

“Seeing multiple signs on a consistent basis is an indicator that it may be time for a more supportive environment,” said Sanborn. “Seniors don’t always realize or accept that they need more help; family involvement can address the needs before a crisis occurs. A health assessment now would help ensure your loved one’s safety and your own peace of mind.”

Once a family determines that it’s time for senior living, exploring a variety of options to find the right fit is important - care and programs vary between companies.

“Seek an Assisted Living community that meets your needs now and down the road with clinical and enrichment support for a healthy, purposeful life,” said Sanborn. “Check to see if the community is licensed throughout to provide the highest level of care to avoid another move. Ask about clinical support, managing chronic conditions and enrichment programs that support both brain and body.”

Belmont Village Calabasas opens March 2018 offering Assisted Living and award-winning Memory Care. Call 818-222-2651 or www.belmontvillage.com.