When you’re looking for assisted living, you need to know what your loved one requires. Some people need quality independent living, where they can still participate in their everyday lives, just with extra support. This might look like home visits or a facility.

If you understand the proper assisted living terms, this can help you determine where your loved one should go. For instance, someone who has a lot of needs won’t thrive in independent living. They may be in danger of wandering off or not caring for themselves properly. Meanwhile, these people would be better off in a secure unit nursing home that can protect them.

For those called to a care residential facility, you should try working in a number of different places in order to figure out where is the best fit for your strengths and needs as well. Assisted living facilities need staff who enjoy their jobs, treat their residents with respect and compassion, and are treated well by the facility. This ensures that the residents get the best possible care from their staffers.

Caring for a loved one can create serious financial strain on a family, takes time out of the workday, and can cause considerable stress on the caretaker. The decision of whether or not to send their loved ones to a retirement home can be a difficult one. However, many can find affordable senior housing options through supportive living programs. If you are unsure whether your elderly relative may benefit from adult assisted living, here are a few major signs that your loved one may need more intensive medical care.

Recent Accident or Illness

If your loved one has recently had a fall, or has been developing symptoms of an illness, it may be time to consider moving them to an assisted living center. Multiple accidents, medical scares, and worsening previous health conditions all require a very strict treatment schedule. For many seniors, it can be difficult to keep up with the complicated medication and treatments necessary to keep them healthy. While assisted living programs are not a replacement for extensive nursing care, supportive living staff is trained with the basic medical education needed to help your elderly loved ones.

Messy House

Keeping a house tidy can be very difficult for those who are elderly. If your elderly loved one ideal candidate for senior living if they have a messy house. Check the kitchen for stale or expired foods or broken appliances. Check for any untouched spills, cobwebs, thick dust, or mold. A dirty living area can be dangerous to your loved ones health, and can expose them to harmful allergens and bacteria.

Mobility Issues

Many of the elderly are confined to wheelchairs due to issues with mobility. Wheelchair accessible home renovations can be costly, and take a lot of time to complete. Assisted living communities are designed to be universally functional, giving your loved one the independence they once had. A wheelchair-bound resident will be able to participate in all aspects of the community, and will be given access to specialized bathrooms, kitchens, and living quarters.