Like mom and dad grow olda big question may be looming in the background: when is the right time to provide life support?
dr. Macie P. Smith, a licensed social worker and gerontologist in South Carolina, shared with Fox News Digital that there may be several signs that indicate it’s time to make a move, whether it’s hiring a home aide or looking for housing.
1. They are at risk of injury
Most importantly, Smith noted, if an older person is at risk of injury or in a dangerous situation, it’s most likely time to call for help.
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Smith, who specializes in seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairment, recommended that recruitment begin help in the house before pulling a loved one out of their home.
Memory loss can cause dangerous environments and behaviors for older adults, experts warn. (iStock)
“The last thing anyone wants to lose is their independence,” she said. “The last thing anyone wants is to live in a space with 50 other strangers.”
Support at home can help reduce the risk of self-inflicted hazards from incidents such as leaving the stove on or mobility problems that could lead to falls.
2. The person has memory problems
As people age, their ability to remember things naturally begins to slow down.
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Sometimes this manifests itself in the form of diseases such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. The severity of memory loss in the elderly dictates whether live-in support is needed, experts say.
Smith mentioned how forgetting familiar tasks and activities, such as eating, can be dangerous to one’s health.
“Respect them enough to have a conversation, because they still have the ability to make decisions about their lives.” (iStock)
“If it’s theirs the diet is badit could be because they’re dealing with some pain that they’re not expressing to anyone else,” she said. “Maybe they’re dealing with some depression and, frankly, they just don’t have the motivation.”
“Respect them enough to have a conversation, because they still have the ability to make decisions about their lives.”
The expert advised to look out for signs of spoiled food in the fridge.
A person may also forget how to perform simple tasks such as making the bed, doing laundry, washing dishes, or following cooking instructions.
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“If they have cognitive problems, they have problems making decisions, and that will ultimately affect how they live independently,” Smith said.
3. They are repeated
Repetitive thoughts are also common in people living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
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Smith noted that if your loved one has more frequent relapses, it’s a good idea to bring support not only for help with daily living, but also for attention and companionship.
Repetitive thoughts are common in people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. (iStock)
“In some cases it’s because they’re lonely,” she said. “It’s because they live alone and don’t have any kind of engagement or motivation.”
A ‘very difficult’ decision
Smith emphasized how difficult it can be to make the decision to place a a loved one into care, especially if it means removing them from their home.
Elders should “always be part of the conversation” when deciding on next steps, she urged.
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“The last thing you want to do is come in and uproot them from where they feel most comfortable and safe, just because you feel they shouldn’t be there,” Smith said.
“Always engage them in the conversation, even if they are in the early stages of dementia,” she encouraged. “They still have the lucidity … to be able to participate in the decision-making process.”
Taking away control and independence from a loved one can cause problems, an expert warns. Instead, “we have to be there to support them and do services around them.” (iStock)
Whether the decision is to provide care or move somewhere new, Smith said an older person should never feel unsafe or unknown, as this can increase dangerous behavior, cause anxiety and lead to deterioration of health.
The conversation should also not start with the assumption that the senior will not accept your request or suggestion.
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“Don’t assume they won’t remember,” Smith said. “Don’t think they’ll be irritable and combative.”
“Respect them enough to have a conversation, because they still have the ability to make decisions about their lives.”
