Helping Your Loved One Prepare for Assisted Living

Signs It’s Time to Consider the Move

Recognizing when assisted living is the right step can be challenging. Often, families wait until a crisis forces the decision, but early planning leads to a smoother transition. Here are key indicators that it may be time to consider assisted living:

• Subtle but Persistent Forgetfulness – Misplacing items occasionally is normal, but repeated incidents of leaving the stove on, missing medication doses, or forgetting recent conversations can signal cognitive decline that requires structured support.
• Changes in Personal Hygiene – A noticeable decline in grooming, wearing the same clothes for days, or an unkempt appearance may indicate that everyday tasks have become overwhelming.
• Weight Loss or Expired Food in the Home – Difficulty preparing meals, forgetting to eat, or an increasing reliance on processed snacks can affect health and energy levels. A fridge full of expired or untouched food is a red flag.
• Withdrawal from Social Life – If a once-social person starts declining invitations, avoids phone calls, or no longer participates in favorite activities, it could be due to mobility issues, cognitive changes, or depression.
• Difficulty Managing Medications or Bills – Late notices, unopened mail, or taking medications incorrectly (too often or not at all) suggest that managing daily responsibilities is becoming a struggle.
• Household Neglect – A home that was once tidy but is now cluttered, dusty, or even unsafe (piles of laundry, expired groceries, neglected pets) could indicate physical or mental fatigue.
• Increased Risk of Falls or Accidents – If bruises appear frequently, or there have been close calls with falls or minor accidents at home, mobility challenges may require a safer living environment.