Home is the place we feel the most comfortable and secure. Home holds sentimental value and treasured memories. However, there may come a time when it is no longer the safest place for your parent to live.
According to the National Institute on Aging, nearly 95% of older adults are affected by at least one chronic condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis, and nearly 80% have two or more. These conditions can affect our daily life and level of independence, making it more challenging to keep up with home maintenance and prioritize our health.
Because of this, it is important to look at the factors that determine a person’s level of home safety and if they could benefit from the supportive environment that an assisted living community offers. Offering assisted living services in communities throughout San Antonio and Boerne, Texas, our Franklin Park® Senior Living team is sharing a few of these signs.
Their Personal Appearance Could be a Clue
Our ability to care for ourselves is a direct reflection of our level of independence and ability to live alone. Pay close attention to your parent’s appearance and note any changes, no matter how subtle, that could signal a need for assistance with the activities of daily living.
For example:
- Does Mom’s hair look like it is washed and brushed regularly?
- Is your parent wearing clean clothing that is weather and occasion appropriate?
- Have you noticed a significant change in Mom or Dad’s weight?
- Overall, does your parent look like they are taking good care of themselves?
- Are they able to properly manage their medications?
Personal hygiene tasks, such as grooming and bathing, are considered activities of daily living and are vital to a person’s health and safety. If you’re concerned about your parent’s personal hygiene, it’s important to talk to them and determine a solution to support them in these tasks.
It’s all in the Details…of their Home
Whether your parent has always kept their home extremely clean or not, you know what their home’s appearance is like on a typical day. For example, it’s common for a person to have a couple of dishes in the kitchen sink. However, it is these home maintenance details that add up and can impact a person’s safety and independence. Things you might notice when visiting your parent include:
- More clutter around the house than usual
- Overgrown or unmaintained landscaping
- The home is not as clean or tidy as normal
- Unopened mail piling up on the counter
- Spoiled or expired food items in the refrigerator or pantry
These types of circumstances may mean your parent is facing challenges or is unable to keep up with the responsibilities that come with homeownership and living alone. For a more detailed list of what to look for during your next visit, download our free Home Safety Checklist!
Keep Assisted Senior Living Options in Mind
If you have come to the conclusion that your parent needs or would benefit from the safety and support offered in an assisted living community but do not know where to start, our team at Franklin Park® Senior Living is here to help.
Contrary to common beliefs and misconceptions, assisted living communities offer individuals the opportunity to live a safe, active lifestyle. By taking care of home maintenance tasks and providing support with the activities of daily living, residents remain independent longer and are free to pursue the things that add purpose to their life.
Assisted Living at Franklin Park® Senior Living Communities
Assisted living at Franklin Park® Senior Living offers a lifestyle of care, convenience, and confidence. Our assisted living services are designed to provide exceptional support to individuals in the San Antonio area who need assistance with their daily routine and home maintenance tasks.
Residents in our assisted living communities enjoy welcoming atmospheres and benefit by receiving care from a highly trained team that takes pleasure in helping them accomplish all of their goals.
A variety of beautiful common areas, including gardens, libraries, and fitness centers, allow individuals to focus on their health and wellness and pursue their interests and passions.
A lot of factors impact home safety. While it is possible to take measures that increase safety in the home, transitioning into an assisted living community can enhance your parent’s quality of life and help them maintain their independence longer.
If you would like to learn more about our assisted living communities in San Antonio, Texas, we invite you to visit our website or contact a member of the Franklin Park® Senior Living team.