While most older adults desire to age at home, many family members find that a day comes when it is no longer safe for their senior parent to continue living on their own. Unfortunately, accepting when that moment has arrived is difficult—and often met with some resistance. Here are some clues you can look for when deciding whether it’s time to consider senior living for your aging loved one.

A worsening chronic health condition.

Certain medical conditions get worse over time and can hinder a senior’s self-sufficiency. For example, if your loved one has Parkinson’s, their symptoms may become so severe that it is too difficult for them to perform daily tasks without assistance.

Change in appearance.

Has your loved one lost a significant amount of weight? Weight loss can be a sign that they are forgetting to eat or that they aren’t able to prepare their food. Pay attention to grooming habits as well. When seniors start to overlook personal hygiene, like shaving or brushing their hair, it could signal that they are having difficulty with activities of daily living and could benefit from more assistance.

Mobility issues.

When you visit your parent, take time to observe their mobility. Are they struggling to sit, stand, or climb stairs? Are they unsteady on their feet? Have they experienced a recent fall? If your parent is having recurring falls, it is a good clue that living on their own is no longer a safe and viable option.

Forgetfulness or confusion.

We all forget meetings or where we left the keys from time to time. But if your older parent seems more forgetful or confused than usual, they could be suffering from a more serious cognitive issue. Difficulty remembering to take medications, forgetting doctors’ appointments, or getting lost in familiar places are all signs your loved one needs help. When a senior’s forgetfulness starts to impact their safety and overall well-being, it’s time to explore other living options.

Unkept home.

Look for signs that basic home maintenance is beyond your loved one’s abilities. A sink full of dirty dishes, expired food in the refrigerator, piles of dirty laundry, or filthy bathrooms may indicate that daily home maintenance tasks have become too difficult to complete or remember on their own.

Becoming isolated.

Lastly, if your parent has become more withdrawn, especially if they typically enjoy being active with friends, it may be time to look at a senior living community where they can easily socialize with others. A lack of enthusiasm for things or people they once enjoyed could be a sign of depression and declining physical health.

Compassionate Care and Assistance at Vista Grande Villa

It’s never easy starting the conversation with your parent about moving from their family home. But if your loved one needs more assistance and care than you can provide, a senior living community is a great solution.

At Vista Grande Villa, we offer seniors more freedom, more ways to stay active, and more opportunities for leading a life of purpose and enjoyment. We prioritize good health by offering varying levels of personalized support, ensuring our residents can live life to their fullest while receiving the care and assistance they need. Whether your loved one needs independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, long-term skilled nursing care, or respite care—our residents can age-in-place as care needs progress.

To learn more about Vista Grande Villa, schedule a tour today!