Our parents are the most significant and important aspects of our lives. As they grow older, most of us feel the strong desire to care for them as they did us. While this is a time-honored and multi-generational tradition, it may – eventually – come time to consider assisted living placement. 
The truth of the matter is, all of our parents want to remain independent for as long as they are able to. They know this may not always be possible.
In fact, most older adults realize that they need additional help before those around them realize it. If you are questioning whether or not it is time for a loved one to be placed in assisted living, chances are, that your parent has questioned this, too.
While it may be difficult for all, assisted living placement is often the best option for the elderly. In this guide, we will share a few signs that it is time to consider placing your parent in an assisted living facility.
Increasing Difficulty with Activities of Daily Living
The most basic of all determining factors for assisted living placement is the ability of the individual to engage in what is referred to as the “Activities of Daily Living”. In short, this involved the following:
- Continence – This activity of daily living pertains to the person’s ability to control bladder functions and bowel functions.
- Toileting – This is measured by the person’s ability to get themselves on and off of the toilet.
- Bathing – This is the ability to clean the body appropriately and engage in grooming activities such as brushing the teeth, shaving, and remembering little things, like using deodorant or brushing the hair.
- Dressing – This is measured by the individual’s ability to get dressed on their own and whether or not they struggle with things such as buttons and zippers.
- Transferring – This refers to the person’s ability to walk or move themselves from a bed into a wheelchair and/or vice versa.
- Eating – This refers to the ability to feed oneself.
If your parent struggles with the above-listed activities of daily living, it is time for assisted living placement.
Problems Managing Medications
Medication management is very important. If an error occurs when managing medications, it could be very dangerous. Prescription misuse could result in serious illness, hospitalization, and even death. If your parent is unable to properly manage their medications, it may be time for assisted living placement.
Issues with Home Management
If you have found that it is becoming difficult for your parent to do chores and other tasks that are part of home management responsibilities, it may be time for placement.
Contact Us Today
While this is only a small list of what to look for when it comes to determining if your parent needs assisted living placement, it is concise. These cover the main areas of consideration.
If you feel as if your parent may be in need of assisted living placement, we encourage you to contact our senior placement specialists here at Beacon Senior Advisors.
Not only can we help to identify signs your parent needs more comprehensive care, we can also assist in helping you find the best suited facility for your loved one. Call us now at: 973-713-0096