When an older loved one seems to be struggling in their daily life, you want to do everything you can to help them maintain their independence and live a high quality of life. Sometimes it can be hard to know just what age-related behaviors are a signal that it might be time for senior living. At PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®), we are here to help.

Here are a few signs to look for when deciding what works best for your loved one and your family.

Is it time for senior living?

Possible red flags:

• Isolation. Your mom or dad might treasure their privacy and alone time, enjoying reading a good book, sitting out on a shady patio or watching a favorite old movie. However, if you notice that your loved one seems to be avoiding contact with friends or family, it could be a sign that there is more going on.

For instance, if your dad’s vision or physical reflexes are declining rapidly, he might not feel secure driving to join a family dinner, but he also might be apprehensive to talk about it. If your mom is not feeling steady on her feet, she might refuse invitations to be around others.

The problem is, isolation can be very harmful to a person’s emotional, mental and physical health, and too much of it could signal it’s time for senior living.

• Wandering. Cognitive impairment and conditions including Alzheimer’s disease can cause individuals to lose their ability to recognize familiar places and people or become confused about their location in what is known as wandering. As you consider whether it’s time for senior living, pay attention to whether your loved one seems confused about the layout in their own home.

Do they often return later than expected from a walk or drive? Have they been getting lost in a familiar neighborhood? Talking about going to the office or other location from their past?

• Neglecting personal hygiene. If dad was always a stickler for looking his best, it can be discomforting to see him wearing a shirt buttoned the wrong way or leaving his hair untrimmed.  Changes in hygiene can be the result of no longer seeing well, fearing to bathe due to balance issues, or even an early sign of cognitive decline.

Understanding what is behind the changes your loved one is experiencing is important for their overall wellbeing, as good hygiene plays a key role in positive mental and physical health.

• Overlooking nutritional needs. Planning and preparing meals can become difficult if your older loved one is experiencing anxiety related to decreased mobility or forgetfulness. Note if there has been a sudden weight gain or loss. Check the refrigerator and pantry to see how well it is stocked. Is there spoiled food? Are the shelves empty? These can be indications your loved one is not able to get the proper nutrition they need.

• Problems with medication management. It might be time for senior living if you find prescription bottles in your parent’s home that are either unopened, or completely empty. Many labels can be confusing and often are difficult to read if a senior is experiencing a loss of vision. It’s key for a senior to take prescribed medications in the right dosage and at the right time.

• Falls and bruising. Despite what many people believe, falls are not an inevitable part of getting older. However, a fall can lead to serious complications. Changes in medications, poor mobility, decreased vision, and other related health conditions can increase the likelihood of a fall. If you detect signs of bruising or injury that suggest a recent fall, you might want to have your loved one visit their physician to determine any underlying issues.

In some cases, making adjustments to the home environment (grab bars in the shower, removing loose rugs, improved lighting) can make a significant difference.

• Cognitive changes. It’s quite normal to occasionally forget a name or misplace a set of. But it’s important to understand what signs you need to watch for that could signal the need for more supportive care. Such as, paying the same bill twice or difficulty balancing a checkbook. Forgetting a major holiday or family event. Problems following a recipe or getting from one place to another. Forgetting to turn off the stove or a faucet.

These are more than inconveniences; they suggest that it’s time to request an assessment from a physician to discuss whether a more supportive lifestyle might be a good idea.

• Neglected home maintenance. A little bit of dust or clutter is one thing. But if you’re noticing that your parent’s home seems constantly to be in disarray, it could be time for senior living. Signs can include an overgrown yard, stacks of newspapers or magazines tossed aside, dishes left unwashed in the sink, and a general lack of cleanliness. It’s quite possible that an occasional visit by a home health aide or family member could be all that’s needed.

Ask your loved one if they would appreciate an extra helping hand around the house, or if taking care of their home is becoming too much of a burden.

We are here to help.

The decision about whether it’s time for senior living is rarely easy. At PMMA, we are happy to discuss any questions or concerns you might have. Our goal is always to make sure you make the right choice for you and your family. Contact a community near you to learn more and to schedule your personalized tour.