The holidays are a time to come together as a family for fun, food, and holiday cheer. Between Thanksgiving and New Years’, meals will be shared, gifts will be given, and loved ones will be reunited. Among all this merriment, some families may learn that their loved one needs some extra care and attention. For many families, this means looking into the option of a professional assisted living community. 

Your loved ones’ need for professional care can sneak up on a family. After being reunited with your family members during the holiday season, it can be clear that it’s no longer safe for someone you care about to live alone. If this happens, it’s important to know the warning signs that show assisted living care is necessary.

Know The Signs

Environmental Degradation

When visiting your family it’s easy to notice when things seem off. One of the most telling signs of cognitive decline is the effect it has on your loved one’s environment. Has their house become messy and less organized as it used to be? Are household items placed in bizarre locations? Are there scuff marks in the garage or on the bumper of the car? These are all visual cues that physical and cognitive decline might be affecting your loved one. When these symptoms get bad enough, additional care will be needed to maintain their quality of life.

Cognitive Decline

Almost all seniors succumb to some level of forgetfulness. When these momentary lapses in memory start affecting their quality of life it could be indicative of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms of cognitive decline can look like many different things. These symptoms include failing to remember someone’s name and forgetting important events/appointments. When you start to notice these signs, it’s important you come up with a plan of action as a family.

Physical Decline

Look for a loss of ability to perform daily tasks or activities of daily living. Sometimes referred to as ADLs, these are tasks that healthcare professionals use to determine what level of care is needed within an assisted living environment. These tasks can include bathing, dressing, eating, hygiene, and using the bathroom. Be vigilant for signs of weight changes as well. Changes in weight might be a reflection of one’s inability to procure groceries or cook meals. Pay special attention if your loved one can maintain their balance. Loss of strength and dexterity is a recipe for disaster. These issues can drastically increase the chance of a fall—or worse. 

Making A Plan Of Action

Making the decision to move your loved one into an assisted living facility can be a tough choice for any family. If you recognize any of the above signs or symptoms it’s time to start making a plan of action for your loved one. This doesn’t have to mean moving your senior into an assisted living facility right away. There are many steps in between. But take action now to ensure a smooth and healthy transition.

When talking with your family to come up with a plan, try to avoid tones that sound like you’re forcing your will upon your senior. Instead, open up an honest dialogue with your loved one and come to a “mutual discovery” together. Collaborate on the safety and security of the decision to add long-term care to your lifestyle.

Choosing The Right Assisted Living Option In New Orleans

Making the decision to move to an assisted living facility in New Orleans requires much thought and careful planning. If you have any questions about what your right move might be, don’t hesitate to contact Windsor Senior Living at (985) 624-8040 or fill out a form online. We offer guided tours of all of our facilities to help guide your decision without feeling pressured. Our experts are standing by to help you with whatever questions you may have.