When to Transition to Assisted Living: A Cedar Rapids Guide
Did you know that falls are the greatest cause of injury for adults 65 and older? Over 14 million -- 1 and 4 -- older adults report falls yearly.
Many falls are preventable; for example, they're caused by objects within walking paths. Of course, there are other means of preventability like assisted living in Cedar Rapids.
Staff can take measures to ensure your loved ones don't get into accidents. However, there may be ways to spot the need for alternate elderly care options before a mishap occurs.
There are several assisted living signs, like:
- Physical changes
- Cognitive changes
- Difficulty with activities of daily living (ADLs)
Below, we discuss these and other signs your loved one may need assisted living services. First, though, we'll talk about the differences between independent and assisted living; read on to learn more.
Independent vs Assisted Living
You may wonder why assisted living is necessary for your aging parents, surely all it takes to keep them safe is organization and cleaning. Here's a question: what's the difference between independent and assisted living?
Independent living means your loved ones can live independently. They could be at your childhood home, an apartment, or even a retirement home -- the point is, they can take care of their daily needs alone.
Where distinguishing between independent and assisted living can get difficult is that people living independently may have outside help. Perhaps you or a home health aide help out with chores, errands, or housework.
Regardless of the aid, your parent still lives independently. Assisted living typically occurs in an environment with round-the-clock support from medical professionals and (or) other staff.
Activities of Daily Living: What Are They?
Activities of daily living, or ADLs are tasks you do for daily living -- walking, moving, grooming, dressing, and paying one's bills. Many older adults need help with these due to mobility or health issues.
Keep in mind that not all elderly people have trouble with all these ADLs. Some may walk fine but have issues dressing. Many older adults don't have the dexterity to do up buttons of zippers.
However, many of these people are still otherwise healthy. Assisted living offers seniors help with:
- Bathing and dressing
- Going to and from doctor's appointments
- Taking medications
- Grooming
- Moving from place-to-place
- Like moving from a chair to a bed
- Walking from their room to the bathroom
Signs a Loved One Needs Assisted Living In Cedar Rapids
There is no specific age or moment for deciding when someone needs assisted living. The timing largely depends on the seniors themselves, some staying active longer than others. Other seniors may need extra help sooner.
However, certain clues will tip you off about whether your loved ones need assisted living. The first will be physical changes. Your parents may show signs of or complain about getting tired more easily.
Your seniors may also experience dizziness or are generally unsteady on their feet. Remember our discussion about falls? A near slip or fall in the shower or on the stairs could indicate a need for assisted living.
Reduced dexterity is another sign that your loved ones may need additional help. For example, they may have issues:
- Using cutlery
- Doing up or undoing buttons
- Difficulty with zippers
- Poor handwriting
Cognitive Changes
Cognitive changes can be harder to spot because everyone has moments of forgetfulness or absentmindedness. The real thing to look for is how long these instances last.
Prolonged or frequent periods of forgetfulness shouldn't be ignored. Specific clues your parents are undergoing cognitive changes are forgetting to take medications or buy groceries.
Making the Transition to Cedar Rapids Senior Living
Physical and cognitive changes can severely impact your loved one's quality of life and are definite signs to discuss assisted living with them. However, your parents may not feel they need assisted living.
The first of our smooth transition tips is to not enroll your loved one in assisted living without their knowledge. It's a massive breach of trust and can make the actual need to move to assisted living difficult.
Regardless of physical or cognitive changes, people should still be made aware of senior care decisions. If you feel assisted living is necessary, consider having an aide at your loved one's house.
Your parents can experience what having aid is like, which may get them accustomed to it, and even look forward to friendly assistance. Another smooth transition tip is to stay kind and involved.
Even if your loved ones consent to moving to assisted living in Cedar Rapids, they may still miss their old home and lifestyle. Some may appreciate you visiting often.
They should make friends in their community, but seeing new faces can help a lot. Your loved ones will feel that you still care and are an anchor during a massive upheaval in their lives.
Listen to whatever complaints your loved ones have. If they say they're uncomfortable, don't immediately dismiss it as "new move jitters." Definitely take complaints about the staff seriously.
Abuse in assisted living communities is rarer than in nursing homes, but it does happen. You should listen if your loved ones say the staff or other residents behave abusively.
You and your loved ones should tour multiple assisted living communities to find the right fit. Take every precaution to ensure your parents are as comfortable and safe as possible.
Spotting Assisted Living Signs
Physical and cognitive changes are often signs your loved one needs assisted living. You may have noticed they're unsteady or forget things more frequently.
Always remember to discuss transitioning to assisted living calmly, and support your parents once they make the move. All that said, you've still got to choose a Cedar Rapids senior living home.
Prairie Hills is assisted living in Cedar Rapids that you can trust to help your parents throughout their daily lives. Prairie Hills Cedar Rapids offers professional and friendly care while allowing residents independence.
Contact us with your questions or concerns. Ask us about our military veterans discount program. United States Armed Forces members receive half off of their rent in the first month of each year.