When Is It Time to Talk to Your Loved One About Elderly Care Services?
Making the decision to move a loved one into senior living can be a difficult one. You want to make sure that they are getting the care they need, but you also want to respect their independence. It can be a major emotional challenge to differentiate between normal aspects of aging and signs that a person needs elderly care services, such as assisted living or memory care. But the earlier you can start planning for the big conversation, the easier it will be.
At CarePatrol of Baltimore, our Certified Senior Advisors have extensive experience helping families understand when it’s time for senior care. Let’s take a look at some of the signs that it’s time to think about care planning, and how to start the conversation with your loved one.
Top Signs That It’s Time to Consider Elderly Care Services
Changes In Mobility and Safety
If your loved one is having trouble getting around, it may be time to consider a senior living community that offers assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). This could include help with bathing, dressing, eating, and using the toilet.
What These Changes Could Look Like
- Bruises that can’t be explained
- Struggles to stand from a seated position
- Walking, balance, and mobility difficulties
- Scratches or dents in their car
- Change in household cleanliness (piles of dirty laundry, severe clutter, etc.)
Changes in Hygiene and Personal Care
If your loved one is not taking care of themselves as well as they used to, it could be a sign of a larger problem. They may be struggling with depression, dementia, or another health condition.
What These Changes Could Look Like
- Noticeable body odor
- Less frequent bathing or showering
- Urine odors in the home
- Marked differences in personal care and grooming habits
- Failure to throw away spoiled food
Changes in Lifestyle or Household Habits
Changes in lifestyle or household upkeep could also signal a need for senior care. As an older person faces changes in cognition and mobility, they may have trouble keeping up with their bills, household chores, or hobbies they were once active in.
What These Changes Could Look Like
- Forgetting to check or open the mail (stuffed mailboxes, stacks of letters, etc.)
- Past-due bills or lapsed responses to time-sensitive communication
- Lack of interest in once-loved hobbies or activities
- Mood changes, especially extreme mood swings
- Unexplained weight loss or failure to maintain a healthy diet
Signs of Dementia
If your loved one is experiencing memory loss, confusion, or changes in personality, it is important to get them evaluated by a doctor. Dementia is a progressive condition that can make it difficult for people to live on their own. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, but there are other forms as well.
According to a 2022 study, 1 in 10 Americans over 65 has dementia, and about twice as many have mild cognitive impairment. The earlier you can get a person with dementia the extra care and support they need, the greater their chances for positive outcomes and quality of life.
What These Changes Could Look Like
- Missing a lot of appointments or difficulty keeping track of time
- Changes in the ability to express oneself clearly or concisely
- Skipping medications or taking the wrong dose
- Forgetfulness that interferes with daily life
- Feeling lost or "out of sorts" when doing things they used to do easily
How to Start the Conversation
If you have noticed any of these signs, it is important to start a conversation with your loved one about senior living. If you’ve noticed 10 or more of the above signs, we recommend speaking with a Senior Care Advisor for personalized advice as soon as possible.
Tips for Talking to Your Loved One About Elderly Care Services
Broaching the subject of elderly care can be a difficult conversation, but it is important to be honest and open about your concerns. A senior living community can provide your loved one with the care and support they need to live a happy and fulfilling life.
- Choose a time when you are both relaxed and have some time to talk
- Start by expressing your love and concern for your loved one
- Share your observations about the changes you have noticed
- Be clear about your reasons for bringing up the topic of senior living
- Listen to your loved one's concerns and answer their questions honestly
- Be patient and understanding. This may be a difficult decision for your loved one to make.
How to Find the Right Senior Living Community in Baltimore
Once you have started the conversation with your loved one, you can start looking for the right senior living community. Here are some things to consider when choosing a community:
- The level of care your loved one needs
- The size and location of the community
- The amenities and activities offered
- The cost of the community
It is important to visit several communities before making a decision. This will give you a chance to see the facilities, meet the staff, and talk to other residents.
Talk to a Senior Care Advisor
If you are still unsure whether a senior living community is right for your loved one, talk to a senior care advisor. We can help you assess your loved one's needs and recommend the best senior living options for them. The earlier you can get started planning for senior care, the better the experience will be.
Whether you’re ready now or are just beginning to think about elderly care, CarePatrol of Baltimore can help! We begin with a comprehensive evaluation of your loved one’s needs and personal preferences. And we do more than hand you a list of communities—we curate recommendations, connect you with resources, and act as a true partner every step of the way.
Get Help from Your Local Baltimore Senior Living Expert
Making the decision to move a loved one into senior living is a big one, but it can be the best decision for all. By following these tips, you can make the transition easier and ensure that your loved one is getting the care they need. When you need an expert on your side to help you navigate your options and make the perfect decision for your loved one, contact CarePatrol of Baltimore!
Choose CarePatrol: Your Senior Living Consultant Serving Baltimore, MD
At CarePatrol of Baltimore, we’ve performed extensive research on hundreds of our area’s residential assisted living, memory care, retirement communities, and more. In fact, we have personally visited all of the communities to which we refer our clients. At no cost to you, our team is ready to help your family find the highest quality senior care option for your loved one. Get free senior care planning assistance today—call us at (410) 844-0800 or reach out online.