As a family caregiver fulfilling many roles and responsibilities, it can be difficult to spot a loved one’s increasing needs day to day. It can be even more difficult to accept that you need to seek out family caregiver support or consider providing care outside of your home. Even if you’re beginning to notice things aren’t as easy as they once were, knowing when it’s the right time to make that decision can be tough.

Spotting signs that care needs have increased early on is important, as it can give you time to find the perfect assisted living facility in TX as a family, without having to rush the decision. Here are 10 potential indicators that your parent or loved one could benefit from an assisted living community in TX providing varying levels of care:

1. They’re having falls or close calls. According to the CDC, one in four adults over the age of 65 experience a fall each year. Even if a fall causes minimal physical injuries, the experience can be unnerving for seniors, reducing their confidence and in turn, their mobility. If your parent has suffered a fall, it might be time to consider moving to an assisted living facility with greater safety provisions than their current home or yours can provide.
2. They’re struggling to move around their home. Another key warning sign that they may be at risk of a fall is issues with mobility. Perhaps they’re beginning to struggle with navigating staircases, getting in and out of the bathtub or reaching cupboards. This is a particular risk if their home is not adapted well for reduced mobility needs, for example if they have steep stairs, high shelves or uneven floors.
3. They’re unable to maintain their personal hygiene. If you’ve noticed your loved one is suffering from body odor, bad breath or unkempt hair and nails, this could be an indication that they’re struggling to keep on top of their personal hygiene. Most assisted living facilities offer compassionate, dignified personal care support with activities of daily living that will allow your loved one to live healthily and comfortably.
4. They aren’t managing their medication successfully. As we age, requiring multiple medications is not uncommon. Unfortunately, this change coincides with a time in our lives when managing medication and healthcare can become more difficult. Keep an eye out for piles of unused medication and other warning signs that your loved one may have been missing doses as prescribed.
5. They’ve lost a lot of weight. Weight loss might be an indication that your loved one is struggling to prepare and cook food. If you’ve noticed them rapidly losing weight, check their pantry or refrigerator to see what food is available. If the kitchen looks unusually bare or is full of spoiled food, this could suggest they haven’t been getting the nutrition they need. Many assisted living facilities offer three meals and snacks on a daily basis that will cater to your loved one’s unique dietary requirements. If they’re struggling with grocery shopping or food preparation, this could be the perfect solution for their health and your peace of mind.
6. They’re lonely or depressed. If your loved one is finding it difficult to get out and about to meet friends and family, perhaps due to mobility issues or becoming unable to drive, this could lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. These feelings might be particularly difficult if many of their friends have passed away. Moving to an assisted living community could grant them the opportunity to form strong new friendships and maintain an active social life, without having to worry about transportation or mobility concerns. Many assisted living facilities also host a range of social events alongside physical, spiritual, and recreational activities, so they could even pick up a new hobby while making valuable new connections.
7. They’re often forgetful or confused. Increased forgetfulness may be a natural consequence of aging, but it could also be an indication of early Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. If your loved one is becoming confused or forgetful, it is important to speak with a physician about your loved one’s condition. For individuals living with dementia, a memory care facility could be a great option.
8. They’re falling victim to scams or are struggling to manage financial responsibilities. If you’ve noticed unpaid bills piling up in your parent’s home or discover they’ve been targeted by scammers, this could suggest they’re no longer able to manage their finances alone. If you or another family caregiver is concerned that they may have been the victim of a scam, you might wish to check their bank statement for any unusual transactions.
9. Their environment is messy or unclean. An unusually cluttered home could indicate that they’re struggling to carry out basic household chores. As most assisted living communities offer cleaning services, moving could be the perfect solution, relieving them of the stress of housekeeping and improving their mental health with a clean, tidy living space.
10. You no longer feel confident in your role as their primary caregiver. Your opinion as a family caregiver is valuable – after all, you know them better than anyone. If you’ve noticed yourself feeling increasingly stressed or worried about your parent or feel you can no longer keep them safe from falls or accidents, additional support from an assisted living facility could be of benefit to you both.

If you’ve recognized one or more of these signs in your loved one recently, take some time to discuss assisted living with them, explaining why you think it could be a great way forward. Being proactive in this decision and finding the perfect assisted living facility together will allow them to thoroughly enjoy the next, adventure-filled chapter of their retirement! To learn more about ways in which assisted living can help your loved one, contact us today!