Did the Holidays Make You Aware Mom or Dad May Need More Care?

If so, you are not alone. Senior living experts say the holidays are a common way adult children realize mom or dad are not doing as well as they thought living on their own. Since it is the time of year we typically spend together as well as may have family members living out of state seeing the parent in-person for the first time in a while, it is easier to notice changes. 

If the family is surprised to discover a parent is not doing well living alone, don’t feel bad as many senior living communities report a heightened interest in getting mom or dad into a community after the holidays. Experts say look at the time spent together as just another preventive measure to ensure mom or dad are okay and that they have not experienced a noticeable decline in their physical or mental health.          

In 2020, the Joint Center for Housing Studies reported a list of things family members can look for in terms of the well-being of an older adult who lives alone. They found, “Single older adults living alone, are more likely to report difficulties with mobility (walking or climbing stairs), self-care (bathing, dressing, and getting around the home), and independent living (conducting errands such as shopping or visiting a doctor) than those of the same age living as couples. Other signs mom or dad are not doing well include unintended weight loss or problems taking medications. 

If you do have a parent suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia and it is time for more comprehensive care to ensure their safety and well-being, please consider the new MorningStar at West Valley. Our website has a virtual tour of what our memory care facility will look like once it opens to residents in the first quarter of 2023 along with lots of information about our philosophy and mission statement, MorningStar’s history and more. Once you decide to entrust MorningStar with the care of your loved one, we encourage you to reserve a select suite and ask about exclusive savings for early depositors.