Making the decision that your loved needs the professional attention and services offered in aged care is one not to be taken lightly or without its emotional implications. This decision requires a careful analysis of all the options that are available to find the best possible solution for respite, palliative or aged care for all concerned. To help in your decision making, here are 5 critical indicators that your elderly family member is ready.
- Increased difficulty in administering personal self-care
One of the main reasons an aged care home may be the right choice for your loved one is their increased difficulty in taking care of themselves. Red flags include unwashed hair and soiled clothes. This may also include forgetting to take medication.
- Confusion
Your loved one may not be able to recall details of simple tasks such as when their last meal was. They may also not be able to complete these tasks successfully – tasks they have performed their whole lives.
- Decreased mobility, feeling fatigued
A key concern when looking out for an elderly relative is when they experience decreased mobility or feel tired after simple activities such as walking short distances.
- An unkempt home
When you visit your loved one’s home, does it seem organised or clean? Dishes piled up, laundry not put away and out of date food in the fridge might be a sign that your loved one isn’t coping or able to care for their home.
- Decreased interest in social activities
Has your loved stopped taking an interest in a hobby or have they cut back on meeting friends? There may be an underlying reason why your loved one may have abandoned social activities. These reasons range from a warning sign of depression to lack of confidence in using public transport.
If your loved one begins to show signs of not being able to cope with simple activities, then it is time to consider assisted living in an aged care home. Medical And Aged Care Group provides residential aged care homes in Melbourne that are centred on offering a safe and comfortable environment for older Australians. Contact us today to find out more.
