Independence is something we achieve when we turn into an adult, move out, get a car, and start a career. While we’re moving through life towards our senior years, it’s something many people take for granted. Naturally, the prospect of losing this independence is terrifying, but often it’s a necessity to live a fuller life during the senior years. Throughout this article, we discuss four indications that suggest it may be time to seek support and move into assisted living.
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Keeping Yourself Isolated
There are around 14 million seniors living alone in the US, according to the US Census. When a person of any age lives alone, it can lead to depression, but the detrimental impacts are amplified when it’s a senior. If you’ve been neglecting your hobbies, avoiding your loved ones, and struggling to find enjoyment in anything, it’s most likely a signal that now is the time to move into assisted living.
Advancing Medical Conditions
The senior years bring a sense of freedom after retirement, but they also come with advancing medical conditions. The most common issues are dementia, heart conditions, and mobility issues. Having these medical issues often involves being closely monitored and taking medication, which may be challenging if you choose to stay in your own home.
Facing Financial Hardships
Reaching retirement age doesn’t mean that you have to stop working, but your body most likely won’t be able to keep up. Eventually, you will have to rely on your pension, which may not be enough to support your existing lifestyle. When the costs of living become overwhelming, it may be time to say goodbye to your home and move into assisted living in Fort Lauderdale, where you will have much less to worry about financially and 24/7 access to care.
Poor Hygiene and Frailty
Navigating through the senior years can leave people feeling depressed, which may have an impact on their overall hygiene, regardless of whether they’re physically capable. When you’ve gone too long ignoring your hygiene, your close family and friends will begin to pick up on the filthy home, piles of washing, and ignored grooming.
When you fail to take care of your hygiene, the chances are that you’re not eating properly either, which has a knock-on effect that leaves you feeling frail. If you’re in this situation, you need to take action now before a loved one steps in and makes the call for you.
Where Can You Seek Support?
After recognizing that you need help living a full life, it’s only natural that you’ll be looking for places to seek support. To get you started, you should explore this list:
- Nursing homes
- Assisted living facilities
- Various charities
- In-home health care
- Senior living villages
Keeping hold of your independence during old age is important, but it isn’t worth sacrificing your overall health. When you start to recognize the signs outlined above, don’t be afraid to ask for help – you’ll be surprised at how supportive the world can be.
