3 Things You Should Be Looking for in Your Loved One as They Age

30 November 2016
 Categories: , Blog

Share

Growing old is just a part of life. Many people are denied the privilege of reaching old age, which is why it is so important that everything is done to ensure the safety and well-being of the aging community. One of the best ways to ensure the safety and comfort of these individuals is to look for signs that your loved one needs more help than what you can provide and get them into a nursing facility. Here are some indications that your loved one is ready for an assisted living center.

1. Your Loved One Is Not Able to Dress or Care for Their Hygiene

You should pay close attention to your loved one's dress and appearance. When you visit, is your loved one still in their pajamas? Have they neglected simple things like combing their hair or brushing their teeth? There could be two reasons for this. It could be that caring for themselves has just become too hard, so they sleep in their clothes or never change out of their pajamas. Another reason may be that they have forgotten to get ready. They may have forgotten what day it was, that they didn't comb their hair or that they hadn't gotten dressed for the day. Whatever the reason, they may need more help caring for themselves.

2. Your Loved One Is Wandering

Another thing to look for is if your loved one is wandering. As your loved one ages, you might notice that their mind isn't what it used to be. They may start out to go get the mail and then forget what they were going to do, so they wander through the yard, go for a walk, and, in the end, never get the mail. Something simple like that may not be a concern, but if they forget where they are going while out of the house or far from home, they may get lost. Therefore, instances of wandering shouldn't be ignored.

3. Your Loved One Is Experiencing Personality Changes

Another sign you might notice is changes in your loved one's personality. Someone who was once outgoing and happy is now angry, aggressive, and withdrawn. This could be a sign that they are dealing with dementia, or it could be depression. Either way, they need more assistance and help to care for the problem. Talk to facilities like Alta Ridge Communities that provide Alzheimer's, dementia, and memory care for more information.