How To Know When Seniors Need Help (4pg)

9 Signs It Might Be Time for Assisted Living

For any family it’s a difficult situation. A senior loved one has been doing quite well living alone, either at home or in an independent living facility. But slowly, over time, signs begin to appear that seem to indicate additional assistance is required. There are many factors to consider—physical, emotional and financial—when making this decision. A good first step is to have an honest discussion with your loved one’s primary care physician.

Here are 9 signs to look for when deciding if a senior may need additional assistance:

1) Accidents or falls: Often caused by poor vision or a lack of balance, falling is a serious concern for seniors. 9 out of 10 hip fractures in older Americans are the result of a fall.
2) A slow recovery from illness or chronic health condition that continues to get worse.
3) Unable to manage daily activities such as dressing, cooking, doing laundry, or driving.
4) Changes in physical appearance: An unkept appearance, dirty clothes or body odor can indicate memory loss or depression.
5) Weight loss: Sudden weight loss can be a serious cause of concern and a sign of depression, dementia, loss of appetite or cancer.
6) Weight gain: This can be a sign of diabetes or dementia.
7) Increasing fragility: For example, an increasing lack of balance or a hard time rising from a chair.
8) Social isolation: A lack of friends or spending days without leaving the house.
9) Lack of interest or motivation to pursue hobbies or activities that they used to love.

Source: caring.com

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