| How will I know when it is time for my loved one to | | | | appropriate living situation. If you wait too long, they |
| enter an assisted living facility? What signs should I | | | | may end up injured or in need of additional care or a |
| look for? These questions are common when family | | | | nursing home. Although assisted living sometimes has |
| members notice a change in the health and/or | | | | a bad connotation, it can be the ideal alternative to |
| environment of their elderly loved ones. Is it just part | | | | living at home. |
| of the aging process or is it time to find an | | | | Assisted living facilities allow your loved one to |
| alternative living solution? To help you determine the | | | | maintain strong levels of independence, while not |
| needs of your loved one, there are several SIGNS | | | | feeling like a "burden" to their families. Your loved one |
| you should look for. | | | | will also have the opportunity to participate in |
| * Tasks that were once simple are now labor-some. | | | | activities, socialize and meet new friends, and enjoy |
| * Weight loss/Lack of appetite. | | | | healthy, delicious meals. Assisted living allows your |
| * Less mobility/Trouble getting around | | | | loved one to personalize their own room or |
| * The house is un-kept and laundry is piling | | | | apartment and make it their home. They can come |
| * They are having difficulty managing their | | | | and go as they please and the environment does not |
| medications | | | | have that "institution" feel. |
| * Personal appearance and hygiene are lacking | | | | Often times it is more difficult for you to move your |
| (Trouble brushing their teeth, showering, combing | | | | loved one into an assisted living facility knowing that |
| their hair, etc.). | | | | they are no longer able to care for themselves. |
| * Loneliness or need for socialization. | | | | However, you should recognize the strong potential |
| * Lack of interest or motivation. | | | | that your loved one will thrive in an assisted living |
| * No longer able to drive. | | | | environment. They will have twenty-four hour care, |
| It is important to recognize these signs early and | | | | an extensive social calendar, and a life of endless |
| work with your loved one to determine the most | | | | possibility. |