Assisted Living Senior Living for Parents: 10 Signs That It’s Time 12/15/2021 | By Seniors Guide Staff For many adult children, the time will come when their aging parents can no longer live independently. They will start to require more help than their children can provide. And at that time, both the parents and the children will need to develop a senior care plan. But how do you know when an elderly loved one has reached that point? When is it time to look at senior living for parents? Sometimes the signs are apparent and easy to spot. Other times they might be more subtle. Children may notice a few memory lapses or minor behavioral changes and pass them off as isolated incidences that are a part of normal aging. It can be difficult and gut-wrenching to see someone who always took care of the family now needing someone to care for them. But this role reversal can become a burden when children become their parents’ caregivers and keep them from leading a normal life with their family. If you are beginning to question whether a parent or parents need senior living or additional home care, here are 10 of the most common signs that could suggest your parent would benefit from it. 1. Worsening Medical Conditions According to AARP, more than 70 million people fifty or older have at least one chronic medical condition. And the probability of a chronic illness increases as people age. Suppose your parent has a chronic condition that is worsening or is recovering slowly from an injury. In that case, the need for more frequent medical monitoring could be one sign that it’s time to look at a senior living facility. 2. Poor Hygiene If a parent can still take of him or herself but isn’t motivated to do so, that is likely a red flag; and you should consider assisted living for them. Signs of poor hygiene include an unkempt appearance and body odors, indicating they either aren’t bathing or washing their clothes as often as they should. 3. Isolation The U.S. Census Bureau reports that over 11 million older adults live alone. When they isolate themselves, they lose their social interactions, resulting in increased chances for depression, addictions, and a higher mortality rate. Senior living for parents can benefit them in more ways than one! 4. Anger and Aggressive Moods When seniors lose a substantial part of their memory or have other age-related cognitive impairments, they sometimes become belligerent. Their aggressive behavior could be dangerous for the caregiver and the aging parent. The staff at senior living facilities are trained to deal with confrontational situations and keep their patients safe. 5. Neglecting Financial Obligations It’s not unusual for the elderly to avoid their financial responsibilities. They are either not motivated to deal with finances or cannot because of diseases such as dementia. In addition, aging adults (and not just those with dementia) often become victims of scams. If unpaid bills have piled up, that offers evidence that independent living is no longer feasible. 6. Neglected Upkeep of the House Keeping their house clean and clutter-free is essential to the health of an older adult. A messy living area, accompanied by unpleasant odors, could be a sign that your parent cannot live on their own any longer; and that it is time to look into senior living for parents. 7. Limited Mobility If a parent struggles to move around, it’s time to consider a senior living community seriously. Even though adding safety features in the house will help, they may not be enough to provide them with mobility. A senior living facility becomes a smarter and safer option. 8. Less Interest in Friends and Hobbies When a parent who normally has friends and hobbies loses interest in them, it can be problematic. Moving an elderly loved one to a senior community, where trained workers will encourage them to make friends and pursue activities, could be the right choice. Especially when it comes to their mental and emotional health. 9. Significant Weight Loss If you notice that an aging parent is not maintaining a healthy weight, it could mean they are finding it difficult to cook or have little appetite. If they can no longer prepare their meals or have lost their appetite because of an underlying health issue, they should be somewhere that they receive regular care. 10. Frequent Injuries Nearly 30 percent of Americans over 65 years of age fall each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even minor injuries become more severe for older people. If your parent is suffering from frequent injuries, they probably need more day-to-day help than they realize – or are willing to admit! Related: Take a care assessment for you or your loved one. Originally published Dec. 29, 2020. Updated and republished Dec. 15, 2021. Read More Seniors Guide Staff Seniors Guide has been addressing traditional topics and upcoming trends in the senior living industry since 1999. We strive to educate seniors and their loved ones in an approachable manner, and aim to provide them with the right information to make the best decisions possible.