Assisted living is an important residential option for seniors. That’s true because it occupies a much-needed middle ground between independent living and skilled nursing care. But how can you tell when you’re a good candidate for assisted living for seniors? Each situation is different. However, certain signs may indicate that it’s time to transition into this kind of senior living program. A consultation with doctors and senior living experts will also help you make this important determination. Contact Parkway Place at 833.539.1363 for information about our assisted living facility, our staff, and how we promote enrichment and quality of life for seniors in Houston, TX.
When Is It Time to Move Into Assisted Living?
Many factors contribute to the need for additional care and support as you age, a natural process that is nothing to be ashamed of. Understandably, people like to remain independent for as long as they possibly can, but sometimes that becomes too difficult or perhaps even hazardous.
A senior living program can alleviate a lot of that worry and stress. Some reasons to consider moving into assisted living are:
- You have increasingly severe health considerations
- You are having trouble with or are unable to care for yourself
- There are concerns about household safety
- Social isolation is affecting mental health
- There are concerns about finances
Let’s explore some of the reasons to make the move more in-depth.
Health Considerations
As you grow older, you may develop a range of significant health issues. Common examples of such issues among seniors include:
- Mobility difficulties
- Heart disease or other chronic physical conditions
- Early signs of serious memory loss
You may only experience one of these problems. However, you may also have multiple health issues. If your health substantially impedes your day-to-day function, it might be time to talk about assisted living.
Caring For Yourself Has Become Difficult
Assisted living may be something to consider when you can no longer care for yourself. You may be in this kind of situation for several reasons. For many seniors, health problems are the underlying cause. The death of a spouse may also be a factor. That could be especially true if you relied on your spouse for critical in-home support. The same holds true for the loss of any other essential caregiver.
Concerns About Safety
Declining household safety is a big concern for some seniors. It can stem from numerous things, including:
- Reduced mobility
- Susceptibility to trip hazards
- An inability to safely operate essential appliances
- A recurring failure to turn off stoves, ovens, or other hazardous appliances
If you’re not safe in your own home, you may want to start talking about transitioning into senior assisted living. This can be a crucial first step in preventing personal injuries and other major mishaps.
Social Isolation and Mental Health
Close to one-quarter of all seniors in the U.S. are socially isolated. In other words, they live alone and/or have limited social contact on a day-to-day basis. This lack of connection can contribute to some serious health risks.
Those risks include higher odds of developing dementia. They also have a higher chance of developing depression, anxiety, or other significant mental health issues. In addition, socially isolated seniors have increased overall odds of dying prematurely from any cause. In combination with other factors, social isolation may be a reason for enrolling in an assisted living program.
Concerns About Finances
The ability to pay your bills and manage your money is essential to living successfully on your own. Unfortunately, advancing age may start to impair this ability. As a result, you may forget to pay bills or fail to pay them on time. You may also find it hard to stick to your budget or otherwise manage your finances. These kinds of problems can be contributing factors in deciding to move into assisted living.
No matter the reason, assisted living is a wonderful option for seniors wishing to remain independent, active, and social with extra support and care when they need it – as well as for caregivers who want peace of mind and the best for their senior loved ones.
Learn More About Assisted Living at Parkway Place
Need help determining if it’s time to consider assisted living? Talk to the senior living experts at Parkway Place. We’ll provide you with vital information that helps you assess your current situation, and explain our senior living services.
If an assisted living program is the right option for you or your loved one, Parkway Place is your source for dedicated, high-quality care. Every day, we help seniors successfully transition into assisted living. We do this, in part, by providing multiple kinds of customized plans. Call us today at 833.539.1363 or complete our online form to learn more about our available options.