It may be a struggle to determine when exactly is the “best” time to move your loved one into an assisted living facility. While there is no perfect time or exact science, it is generally recommended that sooner rather than later is best. Waiting for a crisis situation to happen, such as a fall, long-term hospitalization, or a wandering episode, is not a good idea. The decision you and the senior will have to make will be done under a great deal of stress with little time to research the best options. Also, the housing that you and the senior would have preferred may no longer be available.

Here are some signs that may indicate you should consider Assisted Living:

Difficulty performing daily activities

• Wearing the same clothes across multiple days
• Bathing less frequently while personal hygiene suffers
• Not bothering to cook, skipping meals
• Laundry and housekeeping are a burden
• Utilizing only a few rooms in the house

Memory loss

• Repeating questions or statements
• Leaving the stove on
• Frequently misplacing items

Medication concerns

• Forgetting to take medication(s) resulting in missed doses or overdoses
• Running out of medications
• Not properly ordering medications from the pharmacy
• Keeping expired medications

Lack of socialization

• Losing touch with friends/becoming isolated
• Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed, such as going to church
• Signs of depression, such as crying or excessive sleeping
• Loss of spouse, relatives and/or long-time friends

Fear

• Becoming increasingly paranoid and/or fearful of others
• Afraid to be alone at night
• Becoming more dependent on family members
• Feeling that the neighborhood is not as safe as it used to be