Five signs your parents might need assisted living

When a child is growing up, it is parents who must care for them and ensure their well-being is protected. However, when parents become elderly, the relationship is reversed. Aging is inevitable and it is important to be prepared.

The Need for Senior Living

If you are the child of parents who are deep into their senior years, it is incumbent on you to know the signs your aging parents can no longer live on their own. At some point, it may become necessary for your parents to move into assisted living.

Unfortunately, aging individuals are not always able to recognize when they are in need of help. Some may resist facing up to reality. Losing independence, after all, is extremely difficult for anyone. This means that it is important to remain aware of indicators that your parents may need assisted living. Here are five major signs of mental and physical decline you must watch out for.

Loss of Mobility: Loss of mobility means a loss of independence. It’s a sad reality that an older adult who cannot move around as they once did is probably no longer fully capable of caring for themselves.

Isolation: As an older person becomes less physically capable, it may become steadily harder for them to maintain social connections. Isolation is often the result.

Not Remembering to Take Medications:

This, of course, is a very serious sign that your aging mother or father can no longer be relied on to care for themselves. Failing to take vital medications can have dire consequences. If this happens more than once or twice, it’s almost certainly time for assisted living.

Neglecting Hygiene: As an older adult ages, they may become less and less capable of even completing such basic tasks as bathing, shaving, and other elements of hygiene. This is a strong sign they should no longer be living on their own.