By Deniese Williams
The Cabana at Jensen Dunes
One of the questions I’m asked most frequently is, “How do you know when someone is really ready for Assisted Living?” There is no single, definitive answer. However, when people begin to notice changes in their loved one’s daily life that might jeopardize their safety and wellbeing, that’s when I encourage them to start exploring Assisted Living options. In general, here are the five signs to watch for:
- Difficulty managing the day-to-day. You may notice tasks that were once easy to manage are becoming a burden: appointments are being missed, bill payments are forgotten, and overall quality of life is on the decline. When these things begin to happen, it’s time to seek help. At The Cabana, we provide comprehensive solutions, including transportation to appointments and shopping, housekeeping and linen service, and assistance with personal hygiene and grooming, to name just a few.
- Frequent calls to family or 911. If your loved one is calling you for help several times a week – or worse, if they’ve had to dial 911 in non-emergency situations – it can put an enormous strain on family relationships. In that case, consider Assisted Living, where experienced professionals handle the caregiving and reduce the stress, so that family members can truly enjoy the time they spend together.
- Difficulty preparing meals. When you see a marked change in the ability to prepare and cook meals – or a general lack of interest in food – it’s time to take action. Communities like The Cabana provide three nutritious, chef-prepared meals daily for our residents. No cooking or clean up required!
- Slow shuffling. When walking becomes slower and more difficult, this could signal an impending fall. If that happens – and your loved one lives alone – they could be injured and remain helpless for days. Making the move to Assisted Living means round-the-clock care, so that you no longer have to worry about accidents waiting to happen.
- Medication mishaps. Prescription labels with small printing and hard-to-open lids can be problematic for seniors – and even life-threatening when medications are not taken properly. At The Cabana, we have an on-site nurse available 24/7 to make sure residents get their meds on schedule.
If any of these situations sound familiar to you, please give us a call at 722-322-1000. We understand … and we’ll be happy to discuss your options.
Deniese Williams, Executive Director of The Cabana at Jensen Dunes, is a registered nurse with a Master of Science in Nursing and more than 20 years of experience in the long-term care industry.