The decision to move a loved one to a nursing home is never easy. Although many people joke about needing a nursing home as they grow older, this can become a serious topic once their health begins to decline.
If you or a loved one is weighing senior living decisions, you want to understand the signs that suggest it's time for senior care. Many seniors are capable of living on their own until a ripe old age, but others need assisted living or nursing home care at earlier stages.
Here's a guide for knowing when to consider nursing homes in Burlington, Iowa.
A fall for an elderly individual can result in serious injuries. Senior adults can suffer a broken hip, fractures, concussions, and other injuries in a fall. These are common reasons seniors visit emergency rooms, and some never fully recover from these types of injuries.
When a loved one's safety becomes a concern, it's time to consider assisted living vs nursing home care. Consider whether they can handle their day-to-day tasks, such as cooking or walking up and down the steps of their home.
Living alone is dangerous for some people when they reach a certain age. Consider whether they're at risk of falling, burning themselves, or forgetting to take their medication on their own as you weigh these important senior living decisions.
Some seniors reach a point where daily household chores become difficult to handle. You might notice they haven't taken out the trash or that dishes are piled in the sink.
They may forget to do simple chores like washing clothes or find the work too taxing. They may also find it hard to care for their yard, check the mail, or handle tasks that were once easy for them.
When daily tasks become impossible, it can be frustrating and even dangerous for a senior adult. Consider their quality of life and whether senior living options may be the next best step.
It's hard to see a loved one's living space in disarray, but it's even harder to see them unable to manage their personal hygiene. Talk to your loved one about their bath or shower habits and whether they have trouble managing their daily hygiene.
Consider their mobility, the risk of falling, and how easily they can stand up or get out of bed. When daily hygiene becomes difficult, assisted living may be a good option.
Some seniors are reluctant to talk about these issues, but careful observation of their daily routine should tell you everything you need to know.
Have you noticed your loved one eating the same foods day after day because they cannot cook for themselves any longer? Do they seem irritable during the day because they aren't sleeping well at night?
These important aspects of life should not be disregarded. A healthy diet and restful sleep are critical for a senior adult's overall health.
If you notice a change in your loved one's daily routine that affects their quality of life, speak to a health professional about the best path forward. Getting your loved one the care they need can help take the burden off of them and provide a higher quality of life.
Mobility is one of the signs for nursing home care to watch for. You may notice your loved one struggling to walk or use a cane, walker, or wheelchair.
Your loved one may need a mobility device but refuse to use it, putting themselves in danger of a fall. If they struggle with mobility, nursing home care may be the safest option.
Living with the assistance you need puts less stress on the body and can be a stress reliever too. Your loved one won't have the burden of cooking or cleaning. Instead, they can relax and enjoy themselves more.
You will have peace of mind knowing they are cared for in a safe and supportive community.
Many senior adults take multiple medications daily. If their memory is failing, this can quickly become a dangerous situation. They may begin forgetting to take their medication or taking it too often.
They could decide to stop taking their medication completely without telling anyone. In an assisted living center or nursing home, this isn't an option. The staff will ensure they get the right medication at the right times.
Knowing they're no longer at risk of overdosing or failing to take their medication brings peace of mind.
Health conditions can begin to creep up on us as we age. This may result in more doctors' visits, new medications, and a reduced quality of life.
Many seniors live with chronic conditions and even terminal illnesses they try to manage over time. If their condition worsens, they may find it hard to continue to live on their own.
They may additional care and assistance. As you consider Burlington, Iowa, elder care centers, think about whether your loved one would benefit from more supervised care.
Struggling with an ongoing medical condition can be hard and exhausting. Your loved one may benefit mentally and physically from having access to compassionate care in a quality retirement community.
Are you considering nursing homes in Burlington, Iowa, for your loved one? It can be a hard decision, but it's often the best choice when a loved one's health or safety is at stake.
It's important to watch for signs to know when it's time for senior care. You're making this decision out of love, and we would love to be a resource for you.
At Addington Place of Burlington, we know that choosing an assisted living community is a difficult decision. Our premier senior living community is focused on providing an elevated living experience for all of our beloved residents.
Contact us today to schedule a private, no-obligation tour of our welcoming retirement community.