The Right Time for Senior Assisted Living: How to Decide When to Make the Move

Millions of families confront this question each year, and it’s not always easy to know the answer. Seniors accustomed to living independently may not notice that routine activities like driving and preparing meals have become more challenging over time. It can be equally difficult for their family members to recognize the degree of decline in their physical or cognitive health.

But at some point, moving to a senior living community may be the best option for an older adult’s health and safety, so it’s important to stay alert for signs that they should no longer be living alone.

Keep in mind that it’s often better to make the move to assisted living before circumstances make it absolutely necessary. An earlier transition means seniors can get the most out of the wellness and lifestyle benefits of senior living communities, often helping them maintain a higher level of independence and quality of life than they might have otherwise.

It’s also possible that many of the indicators below will grow worse or more severe over time. High-end senior living communities can often accommodate future changes in the level of care residents require with minimal disruption to their daily lives.

Here are 10 signs that it may be time to consider moving to assisted living.

1. Chronic health problems are getting worse
   

   If your family member has chronic health issues like heart disease, diabetes, or other conditions that affect their ability to live alone, they may be safer living in a community where professionally trained care staff are available 24/7. Be alert to recurring injuries or illnesses that take longer than usual to recover from, as this may indicate a weakened immune system.

2. Feelings of loneliness, isolation, and sadness are increasing
   

   Check in with your family member to see how often they see friends or attend social events. Seniors living alone are at a higher risk of feeling lonely or becoming socially isolated, conditions which are associated with increased depression and anxiety as well as higher rates of heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Assisted living communities offer a wide range of group activities and other opportunities for social engagement.

3. Falls are becoming more frequent
   

   Falls are especially dangerous for seniors living alone. If your family member can’t get up on their own, or if a fall results in unconsciousness or serious injury, they’re much more likely to receive quick assistance in a senior living community, where staff and fellow residents are always nearby.

4. Mobility issues are getting worse
   

   If your family member has considerable difficulty walking or getting in and out of bed, they may be safer in an assisted living community, where support features like handrails and ramps are built into the design, and staff members are on hand to help them get around.

5. Eating habits are declining
   

   Sudden changes in weight and diet can be a sign that older adults are having difficulty preparing food for themselves. Maybe they’ve started eating more takeout or frozen meals, with a corresponding lack of nutrition, or maybe they’ve started skipping meals altogether. Assisted living communities provide regular meals tailored to the nutritional needs of older adults.

6. Hygiene and appearance are being neglected
   

   Lack of attention to personal hygiene and appearance can indicate a broader decline in physical and mental health in older adults. For example, if your family member has stopped showering regularly, it may be that a recent fall has them worried about slipping in the shower. Similarly, if they’ve stopped attending to things like combing their hair or trimming their nails, it may indicate the onset of depression or cognitive decline.

7. Driving is becoming dangerous
   

   Accidents and traffic tickets are obvious signs that an older adult may no longer be able to safely drive, but keep an eye out for smaller signs like new scratches or dents on the car, especially if your family member can’t recall how they got there. When it comes to driving, it’s better to find alternative means of transportation before more serious consequences occur.

8. Forgetting to take medication is a regular occurrence
   

   In addition to the fact that neglecting to take prescribed medication increases health risks, it can also be a sign of cognitive decline. Both are good reasons to want assisted living care staff available to help seniors manage their prescriptions and remind them to take their medications.

9. Episodes of forgetfulness or confusion are becoming more common
   

   Frequent lapses of memory or periods of confusion can be indicative of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Warning signs may include mixing up words, asking the same question repeatedly, or getting lost while walking or driving in a familiar area.

10. Aggressive or angry behavior is on the rise
    

    Take note if your family member has been uncharacteristically angry or agitated. An increase in aggressive behavior is often associated with dementia. The best luxury senior living communities have dedicated memory care neighborhoods tailored to the needs of residents with dementia, should such care become necessary.

There’s no single indication that an older adult can no longer live alone, but if you notice one or more of these warning signs, it may be time to look into assisted living. The right senior living community for your family member can substantially enhance their health, comfort, and happiness as they get older. The sooner they transition to a senior living community, the better they’ll be able to take advantage of all the experiences the lifestyle has to offer.