The New Year May be the Time for a Move to Assisted Living

Over the holidays many adult children have the opportunity to spend more time visiting with their parents in person rather than on the phone or over a facetime call. It is also the time when many families discover mom or dad living on their own isn’t working, and they are not actually doing as well as everyone thought. 

Experts say there are some signs to look for when visiting an elderly parent to determine if they need more help in their day-to-day life. One cause for concern can be if they have had an unintended change in their weight. Experts say weight loss is a common sign of a senior not doing well on their own. The same goes if they appear to have had a change in their balance and mobility such as difficulty getting up from a chair or walking up or down stairs, which could result in a higher risk of a fall. 

Another component of an older person’s wellbeing includes their emotional state. Do they have opportunities to get out and about and socialize or are they spending a lot of time alone and showing signs of forgetfulness or confusion? Is your formerly neat-as a pin mother now living in a home that looks neglected and untidy or is she herself looking ungroomed?

Senior living specialists explain an elderly person’s physical and mental state can decline quickly and often catch families by surprise. If you find yourself in such a situation, it may be time to have a conversation with your parents regarding in-home help or a move to an assisted living community. Homes such as MorningStar of Billings offer area seniors independent living, assisted living and memory care. We consider serving seniors to be our calling and gladly help guide families throughout the move-in process and transition to community living. Please contact us for more information and to inquire about availability and pricing in the most trusted senior living community in Billings.