Signs that it’s time for a senior community
Courtesy The Trace, Northshore LIVING WELL Magazine
As you gather with loved ones for the upcoming holiday fall gatherings, many families will begin to notice changes in senior loved ones and wonder if living alone is still the best option. Here are some of the signs to look for.
Decline in Meals and Eating Habits––Are they at risk when attempting to cook healthy meals or unable to grocery shop? Three balanced healthy meals a day, seven days a week, prepared and served with friends is a much better alternative.
Loss of interest in activities––Are they no longer making an effort to attend church or visiting with friends? Fear of driving, inability to tend to personal hygiene or pain could be memory loss, pain, and eating or bathroom issues.
Lack of attention to housekeeping––Lack of orderliness can lead to clutter and confusion and become a fall and health risk.
Driving Mishaps––Reduced motor skills, decreased vision and cognitive challenges due to age and medicines can contribute to this problem.
Medicine Challenges––The increased number of medicines with age and illness combined with cognitive challenges and decreased motor skills and vision can lead to dangerous mistakes. This can lead to signs that medicine reminders are needed.
Limited Socialization––When any of the above issues exist, then the ability to socialize is dampened. Depression and other anti-social behavior may set in.
Medical Challenges of Living Alone––When medical challenges are creating frequent trips to the emergency room or the need to go to the doctor, living alone can lead to avoidable accidents. Our available 24-hour staff can be lifesaving.
The Trace Senior Community offers great alternatives to living alone. Our caring staff provides services to eliminate the above issues. The Trace Senior Community is an independent, assisted living and memory care retirement community in Covington. Please call our helpful staff for questions and a tour 985-249-7676.
