Care for Aging Parents: When to Consider Senior Living

Figuring out when to seek help for aging parents requires analysis of their safety, their ability to complete daily activities, and their mental state. If even one of these kinds of concerns shows merit, then you may need to consider a transition to a senior community. 

If you're one of the 34.2 million unpaid caregivers for seniors, it's vital to take the time to evaluate the situation for both you and your parents.

Listed below are the key elements you'll need to analyze to understand if providing care for aging parents is still a viable and safe option for your family. We also showcase a trusted senior community in Naples, located only 36 miles from Fort Myers. 

Difficulty With Daily Activities

One of the first areas to evaluate is how well your parents can complete daily activities for a healthy and full lifestyle. These activities include: 

• Dressing and undressing
• Cleaning themselves
• Eating regular meals
• Correct pill management
• Bladder control

Take the time to inquire and watch as your parents go about their routine. Do you notice that they're taking the wrong pills or that they often forget to eat throughout the day? 

These concerns are often the precursors toward needing parent care support, or the issues may grow into bigger health problems. 

Frequent Falls

Falling is an accident that can be more detrimental for seniors than for any other age group. Bones are often more brittle, and recovery can be a tough road. Falling can also lead to a rapid decline in health. 

If you're considering senior living in Naples, FL, then it's good to know that the floor plans are designed to be as fall-free as possible. Large open areas and minimized tripping hazards can help an accident-prone parent find better safety and confidence. 

Self-Isolation and Social Withdrawal

Have you noticed that your parents have withdrawn from their normal activities? Do they decline invitations for visits or tend to avoid phone calls? 

Self-isolation is a slippery road.

Once started, it gets harder for seniors to reach out and begin being social once more. Even though they may feel loneliness, the detrimental effects of that loneliness make it difficult to find help. Instead, they'll continue to suffer from: 

• Increased sadness
• Increased anxiety
• Depression
• High blood pressure
• Weight gain

When seniors are a part of a community, it's easier to stay active and social as they make friends with other residents. 

Safety Concerns

Around 61% of seniors need to climb a set of stairs to get into their homes. Around 25% of the surveyed group said their home has a staircase that leads to a vital part of the house, like the bedroom or bathroom. 

Staircases are notorious for being obstacles to healthy senior living. They may tire halfway up or suffer from a fall while going down. 

If you and your family are concerned for your parents' overall safety, it's time to consider a senior living community as an option. 

Cognitive Issues

Cognitive issues, such as dementia, aren't easy to care for if you don't have the right training. Situations you'll want to look for include: 

• Forgetting to eat
• Getting lost
• Forgetting to take medications
• Repetitive questions
• Personality changes
• General confusion

By transitioning into a senior living community, your parents can get the personalized care they deserve, no matter their cognitive state. Staff members know how to handle cognitive safety without taking away your parents' sense of freedom and individuality. 

Overwhelming Stress

Despite our best efforts, sometimes the stress of caring for aging parents is too much. This is often referred to as caregiver burnout, and can include symptoms like: 

• Physical exhaustion
• Mental exhaustion
• Sleep difficulties
• Poor concentration
• Depression
• Bursts of irritability and frustration

Caregiver burnout is a real risk that can cause rifts between family members if it's not tackled in the right way. Stress can spread and grow within the family and lead to poor mental health for everyone. 

Family caregiver relief starts by approaching one another with open minds and questioning whether or not the living arrangement needs to change. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the 40/70 Rule for Aging Parents?

This 'rule' is the idea that, when children reach the age of 40 and their parents are the age of 70, it's time to start tackling difficult conversations. These conversations should include the possible necessity for assisted living decision-making or at least a plan for future transition. 

While it's not an exact science, it does give a generalized timeline that makes it easier for some adults to understand when it's good to start broaching these topics. 

Why Is Taking Care of an Aging Parent So Stressful?

When you need to care for another person, it's already an experience full of stress, regardless of the age of that person. An aging parent introduces extra stress simply because of the shift in power dynamics. 

You want to care for your parent, which means you may need to order them to do something for their own good. It's not always a simple process and can be difficult to take on at first. 

It's also draining to juggle your regular responsibilities alongside making certain your parents are safe, healthy, and happy. 

Is It Selfish to Not Want to Take Care of Your Parents?

Taking on the caregiving role is not something everyone can do. It's not selfish to decline or decide that a change is needed.

Instead, it's better for everyone involved to make that realization as soon as possible. You and your parents can both find better living arrangements that improve everyone's mental health. 

Find Beneficial Care for Aging Parents With Aston Gardens

When it's time to think about community care for aging parents, it's important to look for a trusted name in the Naples area. Then you and your family can rest easy knowing that your parents are getting the care and amenities they deserve. 

Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh brings the warm tropics of Florida into our senior community with over 30 acres of green landscapes. With our nationally-recognized memory care program and resort-style amenities, residents can enjoy their retirement with freedom and safety. 

Schedule a tour with us and see the beauty of our senior community for yourself!