The season of reflection can reveal when a loved one may need a safer plan for living well.
And here we are…the time of year when not only Santa, but everyone, seems to have holiday lists checked twice. There are people who pepper their homes, purses, and offices with sticky notes and minimalists who combine thoughts onto one long list, folded and never out of sight. Despite the approach, each list is worrisome, and just noticing one becomes a reminder of an uncompleted task.
Author of The Last Lecture, Randy Pausch, has equated plans to lists: “ You can always change your plan, but only if you have one…” Well said and good advice for anyone helping a Senior or loved one plan a move into Independent, Assisted, Memory Assisted, or Long-Term Care.
This is not a blog about differences in Senior Communities, but a list of signals indicating that your Senior may need to begin considering a move and planning.
The holidays have a way of slowing us down just enough to notice what often goes unseen. As families gather around tables, exchange gifts, and share familiar routines, small changes can quietly surface. A once-effortless task now takes longer. A routine seems skipped. In a season centered on care, comfort, and togetherness, these moments can gently signal that it may be time to pause, take inventory, and consider whether a loved one is still living safely and independently at home.
Aging happens; however, some age faster, some slower, but everyone ages. When is it no longer safe to live at home? Families may start to observe the usual Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) when performed by their loved one as they visit over the holidays. Check if there are concerns over the following ADLs.
- Ambulation. Does a recent stroke, arthritis, or fading muscle system make transferring from a chair or bed to an upright position challenging? Are stairs difficult to navigate? What if evacuation is crucial? Seniors must be active to remain healthy mentally and physically,
- Grooming. What is your loved one’s hygiene? Are teeth brushed, hair combed? Laundry done regularly and devoid of stains? Are toenails trimmed and clean? Are they wearing the same outfit every day?
- Toileting. Bladders and bowels weaken with age. Is your loved one staying at home due to a weak bladder or bowel? Are incontinency products disposed of properly, and is clean-up done after toileting?
- Dressing. Is the ability to button buttons and zip zippers challenging due to arthritis or loss of muscle strength? Is clothing showing stains and dirt? Is laundry being done?
- Eating. Is your loved one living on fast food, snacks, or not eating regularly? Are they able to fix a nutritious meal? Are there leftover Styrofoam boxes piling up in the refrigerator? Are they able to operate kitchen appliances? Are they taking their medications correctly with meals?
Additionally. Independent Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are a significant part of being safe at home. ADLs are listed as handling finances, managing medical appointments and medication, shopping, transportation, and performing household chores.
Is your holiday list growing?
Bridge to Better Living advises families not to wait until there are indicators that a family member or friend needs to move to a Retirement Community. Use the assistance offered at No Cost by one of their expert Transition Consultants. Learn what is provided at each tier of Senior Living. Make a list of concerns and jot down preferences while consulting with Bridge to Better Living. Each unique client is helped with choices already in place at Bridge to Better Living. Let them be your partner when checking the “list.” Prepare now for your future.