11 Signs It Might Be Time for Assisted Living and What to Do Next
Families often notice small changes in a loved one’s daily life before realizing they may need extra help. Understanding when to consider an assisted living community begins with recognizing these signs and what they truly mean. At Lakewood Memory Care and Assisted Living in Brookfield, Wisconsin, residents receive person-centered care in a supportive environment that focuses on overall well-being and connection. If you’ve been wondering whether your family member may need additional support, here are 11 signs it might be time for assisted living—and guidance on how to move forward with confidence.
1. Increasing Difficulty with Daily Tasks
Struggling to manage daily tasks such as dressing, grooming, or managing medications can signal that your older adult needs more consistent help. At Lakewood, staff members assist with personal care while encouraging residents to maintain independence where possible.
2. Frequent Falls or Mobility Issues
Frequent falls or mobility issues are a significant safety concern. Poor balance, difficulty walking, or trouble standing up can lead to serious health risks. A secure environment with proper safety features, well-lit walkways, and supportive surroundings can greatly reduce these safety concerns while encouraging a healthy life.
3. Poor Nutrition or Unexplained Weight Loss
Poor nutrition and unexplained weight loss can indicate that preparing nutritious meals has become challenging. Residents at Lakewood enjoy chef-prepared dining with balanced meals that support physical health and overall well-being.
4. Cognitive Decline or Memory Concerns
When cognitive decline or cognitive impairments interfere with daily living, families often face new challenges. Forgetting familiar routines, misplacing items, or confusion about time may signal the need for professional care. A structured and engaging routine with regular health monitoring can help individuals stay connected and safe.
5. Household Chores Become Overwhelming
Tasks like laundry or maintaining the living space can become exhausting. As household chores pile up, clutter or neglect can pose potential hazards. At Lakewood, our assisted living community provides a clean, comfortable home-like setting where residents can enjoy life without the burden of household tasks.
6. Poor Financial Management or Unpaid Bills
Missed payments, financial mismanagement, or stacks of unpaid bills may indicate that your loved one is struggling to keep up with finances. In these situations, family members should step in to help oversee financial management and ensure their money remains safe.
7. Noticeable Health Issues or Chronic Conditions
Ongoing health issues or new chronic conditions require attention and consistent monitoring. In an assisted living community, residents benefit from professional care, medication management, and staff who notice small changes before they become health concerns.
8. Family Caregiver Burnout
Many families reach a point of family caregiver burnout, a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that develops when providing continuous care for a loved one becomes overwhelming. Providing daily help, managing caregiving responsibilities, and balancing personal life can become emotionally and physically draining. Moving to a senior living community allows both you and your loved one to find relief and renewed energy.
9. Declining Personal Hygiene
Neglecting personal hygiene, such as infrequent bathing or wearing the same clothes, often signals a need for additional support. Gentle assistance with everyday tasks can help maintain dignity and confidence while supporting overall well-being.
10. Social Isolation and Withdrawal
Social isolation can affect mental health and emotional well-being. When your senior loved one spends increasing time alone, they risk depression and loneliness. At Lakewood, activities like fitness classes, gardening, and community gatherings promote social engagement and help residents feel connected.
11. Difficulty Navigating Around the House
Difficulty navigating stairs or moving safely around the home can signal increasing mobility issues and a significant safety concern. When balance problems or limited movement affect daily living, the risk of frequent falls and health risks increases. An assisted living community can provide supportive layouts and essential safety features that help reduce safety concerns while promoting comfort and confidence for your loved one.
What to Do After Recognizing the Warning Signs
After recognizing these warning signs, many families feel unsure of what to do next. The most important step is to approach the topic with empathy. Discuss your concerns openly with your loved one, focusing on their safety concerns and overall well-being.
You may also consider consulting a geriatric care manager to assess your family member’s needs and help you explore assisted living options. This professional guidance can help you make informed decisions about care, ensuring the transition supports both your loved one’s independence and your peace of mind.
Finding the Right Assisted Living Community
When evaluating assisted living facilities, look for a supportive environment that values individuality, safety, and engagement. Assisted living communities provide individualized support that nurtures growth and purpose.
At Lakewood Memory Care and Assisted Living, residents enjoy tailored care plans and enriching activities that promote confidence. Our team focuses on each person’s emotional well-being, physical health, and mental health, ensuring that every aspect of life feels supported.
Allowing Residents to Thrive at Lakewood
Transitioning to assisted living can open doors to a healthy life filled with purpose and community connection. Lakewood’s approach centers on meaningful experiences through social engagement activities like fitness classes, meditation, and volunteer opportunities. Each program is designed around the individual, allowing every resident to live with dignity and joy.
The community’s experienced staff members provide consistent, regular health monitoring and assistance with medication management, helping residents stay well and comfortable each day. Families can rest easy knowing their elderly loved one is in a secure environment that encourages independence while providing gentle support when needed.
Embrace a Safer, More Supported Tomorrow
Recognizing it may be time for assisted living is never simple, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. The team at Lakewood Memory Care and Assisted Living in Brookfield, Wisconsin is here to guide you through each stage of the decision-making process.
If you’ve noticed several of these early signs, now is the moment to explore assisted living options that bring safety, balance, and joy back into everyday life.
Contact Lakewood today to schedule a tour and discover how our assisted living community can support both you and your loved one’s next chapter with compassion and personalized care.
