Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, family, and, of course, plenty of good food. It’s also a great time to check in on our senior loved ones.
While your family is sharing stories and picking names for the holiday gift exchange, you might notice some changes in your loved one.
It’s easy to brush subtle shifts in mood or behavior under the rug, but paying attention to the little changes can make a big difference in the overall health, happiness, and well-being of your loved one.
Here are six signs your loved one may need the additional care that assisted living in Columbus can provide.
A drop in weight could point to serious illnesses, but it can also signify that your loved one no longer has the energy to complete all the tasks associated with cooking a nutritious meal: picking out a recipe, making a list, shopping, cooking, and cleaning up.
Especially if your loved one lives alone, going through all that effort to cook may not seem worth the hassle. While you’re visiting, take a peek inside their fridge and pantry. If nutrition is a concern, relocating to an assisted living community that offers chef-prepared meals may be an appealing option.
Is it becoming difficult for your loved one to move around? Are you worried about them falling with no one nearby to help? Have they developed an unsteady gait? Do they rely on furniture for support when they walk around?
If moving around the house has become a feat for your loved one, or if they’ve limited their movement for fear of falling, it may be time to explore how a Columbus assisted living can help.
Going hand in hand with a decline in mobility may be an inability to complete household tasks that were once a breeze.
Some obvious signs might be stacks of clutter throughout the house, piles of unopened mail, or dirty dishes in the sink. During your visit, be sure to check the rest of their house to see if they’ve been able to keep up with the laundry, change their bedding, and clean the bathrooms.
A cluttered or unsafe home environment can be a strong indicator that your loved one needs more help than they’re letting on.
While it’s true that getting older means the mind is less nimble, pay attention to whether your loved one frequently misremembers names, repeats stories, neglects to take their medication, or gets confused by familiar routines.
Left unaddressed, changes to cognitive function can lead to safety concerns, increased anxiety, and a decline in overall well-being. In an assisted living community, residents have 24-hour support and stay engaged and active in both mind and body.
It’s harder to hide mood changes in person than over the phone. While you’re home for the holidays, pay attention to changes in your loved one’s routine and behaviors. Are they still expressing interest in their hobbies? Do they make an effort to see their friends? Are there any changes to their sleep schedule? If loneliness is a concern, they’d likely benefit from living in a vibrant assisted community environment with like-minded peers.
When you give mom or dad a hug, pay close attention. Are they keeping up with their personal hygiene and grooming? Do they struggle with tasks such as safely stepping into the shower or changing their clothes regularly? When assistance with daily tasks such as grooming is needed, the capable hands at a Columbus or Delaware, Ohio assisted living are ready to help.
Don’t Wait for the Care They Deserve
If you notice any of these signs this Thanksgiving, don’t wait to get your loved one the care they deserve at Willow Brook.
Schedule a tour today and enjoy the rest of the holiday season with one of the greatest gifts of all: peace of mind knowing your loved one is safe, secure, and well cared for.
