Ageing is something everyone faces eventually, but many people struggle with the challenges of ageing, or supporting a loved one who is ageing. For the ageing person, it can be difficult to accept the upcoming changes and challenges of ageing, whereas for the family, it can be hard to acknowledge that someone who has been a huge source of support now needs support themselves.
In any case, for the safety of your loved one and those around them, it’s important to understand when a parent can no longer live independently and requires a move to an aged care facility. Knowing when the right time is can be a challenge however, there are certain signs you can take note of to help you with your decision. If you’re unsure if your parent needs to move to an aged care facility, here’s some signs to look out for.
Physical signs
Some signs will be clear and obvious that it’s time to consider an aged care facility. Physical signs are usually easy to spot. It’s best to keep an eye out for physical signs, such as balance and weight problems as they can put your loved ones in danger.
The most common health threat to seniors is trips and falls. About 30% of people over the age of 65 experience at least one fall per year, with falls accounting for 40% of injury-related deaths in this age group. Balance problems are a clear indication that your ageing loved ones are struggling to maintain their independence and may require assistance. Take note of how your parent moves around, gets up, sits down, and how much assistance they need with these things.
As a result of balance problems, or many other issues, seniors may find activities of daily living increasingly difficult. These skills, such as dressing, shopping, cooking and personal hygiene are key in living independently.
Being aware of how your loved one is coping with things like balance and every day activities can help prevent accidents occurring by taking preventative measures. Of course, removing trip hazards, installing grab rails and introducing exercises like yoga to improve balance can be helpful, but if problems persist, it may be time for a move to an aged care facility.
Social signs
Maintaining healthy social connections is one of the biggest challenges faced by seniors. As we age, social circles can shrink when friends move or pass away and hobbies are no longer of interest. Unfortunately, low socialising can have poor health implications.
Without strong social connections, seniors can experience depression and anxiety which can have other negative impacts on health and safety. In addition to this, having someone who checks in regularly is important in case something goes wrong. If your loved one’s social circle is extremely small or non-existent, it can be a good idea to make a move to an aged care facility. Facilities like Banfields provide a social circle as all residents can mingle and attend activities and events.
Signs in the house
Taking a look around your loved one’s house can also help you determine if they might need an aged care facility. Look for things like piles of mail, unopened letters and overdue bills. An excessive amount of mail scattered through the house can suggest your loved one is no longer managing their bills as they once could.
Another tell-tale area is the kitchen. Look for an excessive amount of food, and take note of how much is stale or expired. Similarly, look for multiples of the same item. If your ageing loved one has 10 sauce bottles, it’s clear something isn’t right.
It can also be worthwhile to take note of how your loved ones are cooking. If their style of cooking is dramatically simplified or they begin eating more take out or frozen meals, consider approaching your loved ones about why this might be the case.
Of course, these are just some of the signs your parent might be ready to move into an aged care facility. There are many signs that could mean your parent needs some additional assistance, however, at the same time, there might be there another explanation. The best approach is to keep your eye out for any changes in your parent’s behaviour and then ask them why this change is happening. Your parent is still their own person and it’s important to respect their independence and decisions.