No one likes to think about getting older, or about their parents getting older. And the transition from being self-sufficient to being unable to care for yourself can be so gradual that seniors and their families often don’t recognize when they need help.
If you have senior parents, the next time you visit them, keep your eye out for these 10 signs that it may be time for a move to a senior living community.
- They have bumps, bruises, or cuts they can’t explain. Your loved ones may have fallen and don’t want to admit it, or don’t remember it.
- They have a large stockpile of medications or none at all. Both are signs that they are not taking their medicine regularly.
- The fridge is full of restaurant leftovers or spoiled food. These can be indications that they can no longer shop and/or cook for themselves and that they aren’t eating regular, nutritious meals.
- They have not bathed recently. They may have forgotten the last time they bathed, or are afraid of falling in the bath or shower.
- They are wearing dirty clothes. They may be sleeping in their clothes, not recognizing when they are dirty, and/or may no longer be able to operate the washing machine.
- The house has not been cleaned. They may no longer notice when chores need to be done or lack the energy to complete them.
- The yard is overgrown. Their physical condition has deteriorated to the point that they are no longer able to do basic yard work.
- Unopened mail is piled up. This is a sign that bills are being paid late, or not at all.
- There are new scratches or dents on the car. Problems driving indicate that they may have trouble seeing or hearing, or that their reaction time has slowed to the point that it’s no longer safe for them to be on the road.
- They have lost interest in activities they once enjoyed. They prefer to stay at home and watch television instead of socializing with friends.
Though some of these signs are more serious than others, all indicate that the seniors need additional help caring for themselves.
If you decide that it’s time for you or a loved one to relocate to a senior living community, you may want to consider one in Canton, Georgia. Here’s why:
- It’s close to the city. Just a 45-minute drive and you are in Atlanta.
- It’s not too close to the city. Located In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Canton is on the Etowah River and about 30 minutes from Lake Allatoona. Farms dot the area, giving it a rural feel.
- There’s plenty of green space. Eight area parks offer opportunities for picnicking, hiking, boating, and fishing.
- There’s a vibrant downtown. Visit the shops and restaurants in the city’s Main Street district, or take in a show at the historic Canton Theatre.
- The area’s senior population is growing. More seniors mean more resources for them, as well as more senior living communities.
The Arbor at BridgeMill is one of the newest senior-living communities in Canton, offering independent living, assisted living, and dementia care. Before seniors move in, caregivers perform a complete assessment to determine what they need help with in order to determine the right level of care for each resident.
If you’d like to see if The Arbor at BridgeMill is the right place for you or your loved one, call 770-691-0022 to arrange a tour.
