The choice to give up independent living at home is a sensitive and personal one; for loved ones who want to help their senior parent live more safely and securely, assisted living is a great option. But how do you know when it’s time to make the switch? Let’s examine a few key factors.

Household Chores Aren’t Getting Done

Many of us remember the days when our parents kept their houses neat and tidy, and it was rare to see dishes or laundry piled up and left undone. For seniors who are experiencing health problems or limited mobility, however, completing household chores can be very difficult. If you have a senior loved one who is experiencing limited mobility or health issues that slow them down, you may notice an uptick in clutter and grime in their home. Communicate with your aging loved one about why there’s been a dip in their household’s cleanliness. If they’re finding it difficult to keep up with everything, you might discuss options for a living environment that provides some assistance with chores they can no longer do.



Their Eating Habits Have Changed

While chores like cleaning and laundry can become more challenging for older individuals, cooking can become nearly impossible. Cooking requires standing for long periods of time, which can be difficult for seniors with mobility problems. It can also be difficult for seniors to drive to the grocery store to purchase fresh foods. Check your senior loved one’s pantry and fridge. Do they have fresh foods? Are they able to replenish their groceries regularly? Have they switched from fresh foods to mostly prepackaged meals that have high fat and sodium content? If your aging loved one isn’t able to acquire the fresh foods they need to stay healthy on their own, assisted living can help ease the burden.

They’ve Been Involved in Traffic Incidents

Driving is a dangerous, demanding activity. For seniors who are dealing with declining health, vision problems or mobility problems, it can become a life-or-death situation. There are several signs that your senior loved one is having trouble driving safely. Unexplained dents, dings and scratches on their vehicle, unusual traffic citations, and traffic accidents are good indicators of declining ability to drive. Pay attention to your senior loved one’s driving history. If you’ve noticed an uptick in incidents, it might time to discuss a safer option for transportation. Assisted living facilities can provide transportation for seniors who prefer not to or can no longer drive themselves. The conversation surrounding a move to a senior living community is not an easy one. However, assisted living communities can offer your loved one assistance with the chores and personal tasks that have become difficult. Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care is an ideal living community for seniors who need a little extra help day-to-day. We also offer memory care services for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Learn more today. 

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