Knowing when to transition your loved one to an assisted living community can be difficult. This can be especially true for close family members and friends. Before having a conversation with your loved one, it helps to have as much information as possible. The Windsor Senior Living has compiled eight signs that it might be time to consider assisted living near Kenner.
1. Health Conditions
The pressures of caring for a loved one can be strenuous. However, these stresses worsen if they suffer from a chronic condition. According to the National Council on Aging, 94.9% of adults over the age of 60 suffer from at least one chronic condition. Furthermore, 78.7% have two or more conditions.
Oftentimes, it’s just not possible to give your loved one all of the attention they need while balancing your own needs and lifestyle. However, assisted living communities offer a vibrant, independent community for seniors where they can thrive. These communities offer around-the-clock caregiver support, ensuring that your loved ones are always in good hands.
2. Hygiene Changes
As we journey through the aging process, everyday tasks like showering, laundry, and haircare can gradually become more challenging. It’s important to recognize that these difficulties are incredibly common among seniors. Nevertheless, it’s vital to acknowledge that hygiene struggles can sometimes evoke feelings of shame or embarrassment. Furthermore, they may also serve as indicators of self-neglect.
The National Adult Protective Services Association defines self-neglect as “a person’s inability, due to physical or mental impairment or diminished capacity, to perform essential self-care tasks.” It’s worth noting that self-neglect can manifest in various ways, including:
- Resistance to taking medications.
- Weight loss, malnutrition, or dehydration.
- Living in unsanitary conditions.
- Neglecting to open mail or notices.
These signs should be addressed with compassion and support, as they may arise from a range of factors, including health challenges and emotional struggles. However, for seniors facing these challenges, there are options available, such as assisted living communities like The Windsor Senior Living near Kenner.
At The Windsor Senior Living, we offer two distinctive plans: independent living and assisted living. For seniors who require minimal assistance, our independent living plan includes services like light housekeeping, chef-prepared meals, medication management, and more.
Alternatively, seniors in need of additional support can find comprehensive care through our assisted living plan. Our assisted living residents enjoy all the amenities offered by the independent living plan, with additional services such as:
- Daily AM and PM dressing
- Bathing assistance every other day
- Medication assistance program
- Daily bed-making, dishwashing, trash removal
- Three meals daily
- Laundry and housekeeping service twice a week
- And more.
We are here to provide the support and care that seniors need to lead fulfilling lives in a welcoming and vibrant community.
3. Trouble Managing Medication & Appointments
As risks of forgetfulness and self-neglect increase, seniors should receive additional help managing their health. The CDC estimates that around 350,000 patients end up in the hospital after visiting the emergency room due to adverse drug events annually. As people get older, they usually take more medications, and this can raise the risk of experiencing adverse events. It’s especially true when a senior is in poor health or has chronic conditions.
Medication assistance is another amenity of our assisted living community near Kenner. With medication assistance, a trained caretaker ensures your loved one receives proper medication management. Seniors also can receive regular visual checkups, blood pressure checks, and scheduled transportation for appointments.
4. Social Isolation
After the COVID-19 Pandemic, many of us experienced the negative effects of social isolation. Studies have shown social isolation to be a risk factor for early mortality. The National Council on Aging states that “loneliness can increase risk of mortality by 50%—higher than the effects of air pollution, obesity, and excessive alcohol use.” Additionally, scientists have found a correlation between isolation and the likelihood of seniors developing diseases or health conditions.
Isolation-linked health risks include:
- Cognitive decline
- Dementia
- High blood pressure
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
A high-quality assisted living facility should provide loved ones with many opportunities for social engagement. Examples of popular social activities at The Windsor Senior Living include yoga classes, bingo games, and group outings. Our activities team goes above and beyond to prepare a full calendar of events for our residents. These special events include wine tastings, luaus, senior prom and, more!
5. Safety Concerns
Beyond sickness, living alone presents other safety concerns. Falling risks are a common issue, especially in houses with stairs. According to the National Council On Aging, every 11 seconds, an emergency room treats an older adult for a fall-related injury. Furthermore, falls are the leading cause of injury for seniors.
Assisted living communities near Kenner are typically equipped with safety features to reduce falling risks. These include mobility assistance features such as grab bars, ramps, and wide walkways. Additionally, staff members are available to assist in case of a fall. Their presence offers a quick response and a caring approach, helping residents receive timely assistance and, when necessary, connecting them with appropriate medical resources.
6. Difficulty Managing Daily Tasks
As we age, it can become increasingly difficult to maintain our lifestyles without support. Harvard Health reports that, “two-thirds of Americans over age 65 need help doing everyday activities such as eating, bathing, and getting in and out of bed or a chair.”
Trained caregivers at assisted living communities give seniors the help they need with daily living activities. It’s a common misconception that assisted living means less independence. However, by reducing the time and energy spent on daily chores, our seniors find they have new autonomy to pursue their interests and enjoy their relationships.
7. Driving Ability Declines
Driving presents a variety of risks for seniors. Be on the lookout for higher levels of distraction or road rage when riding with your loved one. Additionally, take notice of any new dents or scratches on their vehicle. These could be signs of a decline in driving ability.
With transportation support, your loved one will maintain their freedom while alleviating the risks of driving. Assisted living communities like The Windsor Senior Living provide transportation to appointments, regular grocery shopping, and trips to places like the movies or casinos. However, our independent living residents can still drive, depending on their ability.
8. Caretaker Fatigue
Caretaker fatigue is one of the most common reasons for considering assisted living. However, it’s often the most forgotten. While providing care for a loved one can be rewarding, it can easily take a toll on your well-being. Everyone needs help. This is true for seniors, and it’s especially true for caretakers.
Assisted living communities near Kenner offer valuable support systems for both seniors and their caregivers. These communities provide a nurturing environment where seniors can receive the care and assistance they need while enjoying a vibrant and social setting. Caregivers, in turn, can find relief in knowing that their loved ones are in capable hands.
This allows them to nurture and strengthen their bonds with seniors, eliminating stress and fostering enjoyable moments together. The Windsor Senior Living encourages friends and family members to visit residents, even offering a guest apartment available for rent to make these visits more convenient and memorable.
Interested in Assisted Living Near Kenner?
It’s not always easy deciding when to transition your loved one to assisted living. For over 20 years, The Windsor Senior Living Community has helped seniors thrive in the new chapters of their lives. Explore our blog for more resources on topics like discussing the transition into senior living with your loved one and dispelling misconceptions about senior living communities. If you have any questions, please call 985-624-8040 or send us a message. Let us help make this transition into assisted living near Kenner easier for you and your loved one.