It’s difficult to decide when it’s time for a senior to make the move into assisted living or a nursing home. There comes a time for many seniors when living on their own becomes unsafe.

If you’re loved one is beginning to show signs that they can’t quite take care of themselves anymore, we found this article on Senior Advisor to help you make an informed decision for your loved one.

5 Signs It’s Time for Assisted Living

1. Difficulty with basic tasks

We all do dozens of little tasks each day that we take for granted need to be done – making meals, tidying rooms, doing laundry, paying bills. No one likes having to do them, but the effects of aging can reach a point where they’re much harder to do. Carrying things or moving from room to room can get more painful, for example, and suddenly the simple chore of laundry becomes much more difficult. Does your loved one have a harder time accomplishing everyday tasks?

2. Chores being neglected

One way some seniors deal with it when things start to get more difficult is simply not to. If your loved one is letting the dishes pile up, has a home covered in dust, and an ever-growing pile of dirty clothes, it’s a sign they need some help.

3. Frequent injuries (even if minor)

2.5 million seniors are treated every year for injuries related to falls and in many cases the damage is serious. Minor injuries become a much bigger deal the older you get and if your loved one is suffering from them, then they likely need more day-to-day help than they’re willing to admit.

4. Significant weight loss

Eating well is one of the most basic of human needs. If your loved one isn’t maintaining a healthy weight, it could be because they’re having a hard time cooking their meals or they have a loss of appetite symptomatic of some larger problem. Either way, if they need assistance with as basic a task as eating often enough, they should have regular care.

5. A tendency toward isolation

Loneliness can be as bad for a senior’s health as an illness. If they’re not getting out and remaining active, living somewhere where they can tap into a community without leaving could be the trick. An assisted living home does mean less independence, but the other side of that coin is access to a whole new social community.

Moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home is a transition for sure, but the experience can be a positive one. Take time to find the home that best meets your loved one’s needs. At the end of the day, the move is about their safety and your peace of mind.

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