7 Indicators It Might Be Time For a Senior Housing Move

Health issues increase as a person ages. Seniors need a community where they have support and help when needed, but many people fight against making this move. They want to age in place. How can a family know when it is time to make this transition? What signs should they look for? 

Declining Health

Declining health indicates it may be time to move to a senior housing residence. These health issues can interfere with daily life, and the specialized care many senior communities offer can improve seniors' quality of life. Staff members will manage medications, monitor residents, and help with daily living activities. Early intervention is essential when medical problems arise to ensure the individual's health doesn't deteriorate further and lead to significant health issues. 

Difficulty With Daily Living Activities

Moving to a community can greatly benefit seniors who can no longer complete daily living activities. Staff members handle many of these activities, including cooking and cleaning, so residents don't have to. The tasks won't get easier as a person ages, so making this move when they first become difficult will enhance the senior's well-being. Doing so helps the seniors remain independent and maintain their dignity.

Isolation

Seniors may become isolated. They can't get around as quickly and spend large blocks of time alone. Doing so can lead to cognitive decline and mental health issues. Moving to a senior community will provide them the companionship they need to thrive. These communities plan activities, trips, and other events for residents so they interact regularly with others. The communal spaces bring people together, which helps prevent loneliness and depression. Their quality of life improves with this move. 

Home Maintenance Difficulties

Seniors often find it challenging to maintain their homes. The tasks seem neverending because they take longer as a person ages. Moving to senior housing eliminates the need to complete these tasks. Staff members handle all maintenance chores so residents can focus on doing things they love. 

Caregiver Stress

Burnout remains a concern for caregivers. They are constantly being asked to help the seniors and may have other responsibilities, such as a spouse or children needing things. When the stress becomes overwhelming, it can harm the relationship between the senior and the caregiver. Moving the loved one to senior housing can repair the relationship and allow the caregiver to return to being a companion. They are less likely to make mistakes when they aren't tasked with providing full-time care, and the senior receives the best care possible, as multiple individuals provide it. 

Safety Concerns

Unattended appliances, mobility issues, and living alone can all lead to safety issues for seniors. Families often worry that something will happen when they aren't around and the seniors won't be able to call for help. A move to a senior community means someone is always with the senior, so they have help when needed. 

Peace of Mind

Families may constantly worry about their senior loved ones, as they can't be together 24 hours a day. Having the senior move to a community of their peers provides peace of mind. Family members know the loved one is being cared for and will have help whenever needed. 

Finding Senior Housing

Families must compare senior housing options to find the right place for their loved ones. Location and accessibility play a role in which community should be selected. Learn which services are offered and the cost of these services. Financial help may be available, so ask each community where to look for this help. 

Families prefer to stick together, but at times, this isn't possible. When the day comes for a senior to move to specialized housing, feel comfortable having them do so. The right community will allow them to thrive so family members can enjoy the time they have remaining with the seniors rather than focusing on fulfilling their needs. Everyone is happier when this is the case.