Recognizing when a Loved One May Need Assisted Living

As our parents or grandparents age, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions. We appreciate their wisdom and stories, but we also begin to worry about their safety and well-being as they age. One of the most challenging decisions families often face is whether their loved one needs assisted living. Recognizing the signs that it might be time for assisted living can help ensure your loved one receives the care they deserve while maintaining a fulfilling life.

Signs it might be time for Assisted Living

Isolation: A Silent Threat

Social interaction is as vital to our health as a balanced diet. As we age, mobility limitations or the loss of a loved one can lead to social isolation. You might notice your loved one:

• Losing interest in hobbies and social activities they once enjoyed. They may stop attending their favorite activities or book club, or become hesitant to go out with friends.
• Withdrawing from family gatherings or phone calls. Trips to visit grandchildren and family become less frequent, and phone conversations become shorter and less engaged.
• Expressing feelings of loneliness or depression. They may start making comments about feeling alone or a lack of purpose in their life.

Social isolation can worsen existing health conditions and accelerate cognitive decline. Assisted living communities, like Robson Reserve at Sun Lakes in the Chandler area and Robson Reserve at PebbleCreek in Goodyear, offer a vibrant social environment. Opportunities for social connection may include group activities, shared meals, and other various community events and activities with other assisted living residents. This setting encourages residents to connect with peers who share similar interests while providing your loved one with support. This social interaction and the gathering of likeminded individuals can significantly improve your loved one’s mood, well-being, and overall health.

Eating Struggles: A Warning Sign

A balanced diet fuels our bodies and minds. When you eat a healthy, balanced meal of foods that are good for you, you feel good. If you notice a decline in your loved one’s eating habits or notice that your loved one is having difficulties making meals for themselves, it could be a sign that they need assisted living. Here are some things to look out for:

• Unopened or expired food in the pantry or refrigerator. They may be forgetting to buy groceries or simply lacking the motivation to cook for themselves.
• Weight loss due to difficulty preparing meals. Perhaps they have trouble chopping vegetables or have trouble standing to make food, so they opt to make microwavable meals or easier meals to make.
• Confusion around mealtimes or forgetting to eat altogether. They may struggle to set reminders for themselves or simply lose track of time, missing a meal altogether.

Poor nutrition can lead to fatigue, weakness, and increased vulnerability to illness. At both of the Robson Reserve senior assisted living communities, the Dining Services Teams provide regular, well-balanced meals. This dining experience helps to get residents out and social, while also ensuring their dietary needs. From always-available meals like the Robson Burger and fries, to daily specials like pulled pork sandwiches and chips, there is always something on the menu for every appetite.

Needing a Helping Hand

Everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, and managing medications become more challenging with age. If your loved one struggles with these activities, it could be a safety hazard. Repeated difficulty with normal daily activities could be a sign that your loved one needs assisted living. Here are some signs to watch for:

• Unkempt appearance or a lack of personal hygiene. This could be a sign they’re having difficulty bathing or showering independently.
• Difficulty dressing or undressing independently. Stiffness, arthritis, or difficulty with buttons and zippers can all make getting dressed and undressed a challenge.
• Falls or injuries sustained while performing daily tasks. These incidents can be a major concern and a strong indicator that your loved one needs assisted living to maintain their safety.

These challenges can significantly impact your loved one’s independence and dignity. Robson Reserve at Sun Lakes and Robson Reserve at PebbleCreek both offer assisted living options that provide help with daily living activities (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, medication management and many others. This support allows your loved one to maintain their independence as much as possible while ensuring their safety and well-being. Both assisted living communities also offer activities such as transportation, housekeeping, and laundry, further reducing the burden on your loved one and the safety risks they hold.

Making the Assisted Living Transition Smoothly

The decision to move to assisted living is a significant one for both your loved one and yourself. Here are some tips for a smoother transition:

• Open Communication: Have an honest conversation with your loved one about your concerns. Listen to their fears and preferences. Approach the conversation with empathy and focus on finding a solution that works for everyone. If it comes to making a move to an assisted living community, involve your loved one in the process.
• Focus on the Positives: Assisted living is an opportunity for a more fulfilling and secure life, with social interaction, dining, transportation and much more. With both Robson Reserve at Sun Lakes and PebbleCreek, when you move in, you’re moving into an all-inclusive community. Helping your loved one appreciate the new lifestyle that awaits them can be a huge help in their decision.
• Research and Tour: The teams at Robson Reserve at PebbleCreek and Robson Reserve at Sun Lakes are happy to meet with you and your loved ones during this transition. Schedule a tour or reserve a spot at one of our upcoming events to get a feel for what the luxury lifestyle holds.

If you think you may need assisted living for yourself or a loved one, the team at each Robson Senior Living community in Arizona is here to help answer your questions. Visit our contact page and we will be in touch!