Expert Contributor by Lindsey Poeth, CSA® Oasis Senior Advisors - Main Line
When to Start Considering
Senior Care Options
Many families don’t address the challenges of aging until they absolutely must. That delay may force families to take action in an emergency, often resulting in hasty and ill-informed decisions. How do you know when it’s time to start looking at options? Aging seniors tend to wear their pride on their sleeve, and they will do whatever they can to hide their frailties. Here are 7 signs that it may be time to consider bringing in home health care or looking at senior living communities. 1. Isolation causing loneliness and possible depression. Studies have shown that socialization and mental stimulation are key components to healthy aging. Moving to a senior living community will increase socialization opportunities,
2. Loss of driver’s license. This incredibly difficult decision must be made so our loved ones will not endanger them selves or other drivers sharing the road. Counteract their loss of independence by offering solutions such as having a care giver who drives or moving to a senior living community that provides transportation. 3. Frequent falls. When an elderly person falls, it can often mark the beginning of a decline in physical condition and health. It’s definitely time to obtain assistance in the home or arrange for transition to a senior living community after fre quent calls to 911 due to falling or after a serious accident and/or hospitalization.
Understanding Senior Living Options Can Be Overwhelming and Confusing
4. Drastic weight loss. This may signal that the senior is not eating enough because he or she can no longer shop and/or prepare meals adequately. 5. Inconsistent or lack of compliance taking medications. It’s dangerous when an individual forgets to take their medication or mistakenly takes multiple doses. Families may use a mul titude of techniques (filling a weekly pill box and reminding them to take medication at specific times), but accidents can still happen.
A Free, Personalized Senior Housing Placement Service For: • • • • • • • •
allow participation in activities (even as a passive observer), and increase quality of life as seniors become part of a community.
Retirement Communities Independent Living Assisted Living / Personal Care Memory Care Respite Services Residential Care Homes Hospice Care Skilled Nursing Homes
6. Increased forgetfulness or confusion. Forgetting to turn off a stove burner, episodes of wandering outside, or unable to remember how to use the phone are all examples of when forgetfulness becomes dangerous.
www.OasisSeniorAdvisors.com/Mainline LPoeth@YourOasisAdvisor.com 484-947-4266 Lindsey Poeth, CSA
7. You are spending an inordinate amount of time as Care giver. Helping anyone bathe, dress, or use the toilet takes time and a great deal of emotional and physical stamina. Hir ing a caregiver to perform those duties in the home or at a senior living community can help safeguard your own health and allow you to resume your adult role and responsibilities in your own personal life. If you’re seeing any of the signs above, take some time now to become educated about available senior care options well before Mom or Dad needs them.
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®
NS
30
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
March 2020
