When visiting with your aging loved ones, you may start to notice some of the early indicators that they could benefit from the additional support and care found in a senior living community—while still maintaining their independence. Recognizing these signs sooner rather than later can help you and your loved one make thoughtful decisions together before any unexpected changes arise.

Families may find that discussing these changes allows their loved ones to preserve control over their future living arrangements rather than having decisions made for them.

Awareness Means You Care

It's easy to miss the subtle signals that someone you love might require more consistent care. Since they're not always obvious, you'll need to pay close attention to their day-to-day lives. For example, you may notice their home isn't as tidy as it once was, or you might find excessive amounts of expired food in the refrigerator.

Many adult children may not initially see the first signs of a parent needing help with activities of daily living. In the midst of busy lives, balancing work and family needs, it can be challenging to recognize that simple changes are suggestive that a higher level of care may be necessary.

Recognizing signs of aging in your parents or grandparents is a natural part of life, but it’s important not to overlook them. These changes may indicate that it’s time to consider a move to a senior living community, where they can receive appropriate support while maintaining their autonomy.

1. A Difference in Self-Care

The activities of daily living (ADLs) that we take for granted in our younger years may prove to be more difficult as we age. When those activities become harder to do, your parents or grandparents may make small adjustments to get around the problem or make it easier. Make note of the following examples of your loved one's ADLs:

• They have a harder time getting dressed in the mornings or begin to wear different clothes that are easier to put on. Sometimes, this might mean wearing clothing that is not seasonally appropriate, like wearing thin fabrics even when the weather turns cooler or not putting on socks.
• Their hair is not as put together as it typically is.
• They do not seem to be washing on a regular basis.

All of these may be signs that daily tasks are becoming increasingly demanding and that your loved one may benefit from living in a senior living community.

2. Medication Management

Managing prescribed medications that all have different but specific requirements can become extremely complicated, especially for seniors. Does your loved one have many medications prescribed to be taken at a certain time of day (or even several times a day)? What about pills that should be taken with food? Or intravenous medication? If your loved one is having trouble keeping their medications straight, it may cause serious side effects or health issues. They might not tell you outright that they need help, so look for these indicators if you're concerned about their ability to manage their own medications: 

• Fluctuations in blood pressure.

• Frequent visits to the emergency room.

• Receiving refill notifications while still having days’ or weeks’ worth of pills.

• Needing refills on medications earlier than prescribed.

If you notice these changes, they could indicate that your loved one is forgetting to take prescribed medications or is taking them incorrectly and could benefit from additional support.

Senior living communities often provide medication management services, which can help your loved one adhere to their prescriptions while freeing them to focus on engaging activities and social connections.

3. How They Handle Finances

Remembering to pay the bills on time and maintaining a budget require more effort as we age. However, if you notice differences like these in your loved one’s spending habits, it may indicate that your loved one could use some assistance.

• Sudden large or unplanned purchases. For example, suddenly subscribing to a large number of magazines or buying items they don’t need.
• Missed bills. Some utility companies may reach out to you if they can't get a hold of your loved one about past-due bills, or your loved one may mention it themselves.
• Vulnerability to deceptive offers. Some phishing schemes and fraudulent offers target seniors who can't tell if it's fake. This leaves them more vulnerable to giving up sensitive data like credit card information, their Social Security number or other personal identification.

Depending on the level of care necessary, many seniors discover that moving into a senior living community helps to consolidate their finances and stay organized, making it possible to maintain independence while reducing the complexity of their bills and financial management.

4. Change in Driving Abilities

Are you noticing changes in your senior loved one’s ability to drive? Depending on the signs, there are different ways to accommodate your loved one’s changing needs.

No matter how old they are, driving is an important part of an individual’s independence. Unless you suspect that your aging loved one presents a safety concern to themselves or others on the road, don't take away their keys immediately. The solution might point to something as simple as needing an eye exam and an updated prescription. However, if you or your loved one is concerned, you could recommend taking a driving test again to help ensure their abilities on the road remain safe.

One of the great benefits of living in a senior living community is access to scheduled transportation services. Even if your loved one no longer drives, they are still able to keep their independence and commute around the area—attending appointments and social events, and enjoying their favorite activities without the stress of driving.

Transportation services expand mobility options. Residents can schedule trips to favorite restaurants, cultural events and shopping centers they might have previously avoided due to driving or parking concerns, particularly at night or in bad weather. This allows seniors to keep their community connections and personal interests alive.

Begin the Conversation Early

If you are noticing some of these subtle signs, we recommend starting a conversation with your loved one about transitioning to a senior living community as a positive step toward enhanced quality of life. Your loved one may be nervous about how this change would affect their lifestyle, so remember to approach the topic calmly, respectfully and with compassion.

“Waiting too long to have the conversation is probably the worst mistake you can make,” says Wendy W., daughter of a resident at Terracina Grand in Naples, FL, a community managed by The Goodman Group. “Have it early when they can still tell you what they want and when they can pick the community.” The benefits of starting the conversation early are numerous. Wendy shares more in the video below. 

The Support and Enjoyment of a Senior Living Community

A senior living community can actually increase a resident’s autonomy and independence. Passionate team members can oversee simple responsibilities so seniors can focus on other meaningful activities they enjoy. For many, choosing to live in a senior living community offers social engagement stimulation through focused activities and programming.

Living in a senior living community can offer your loved one new freedom, even later in life, and you can rest easy knowing they are cared for so they can focus on the things that they enjoy the most while making their own choices in a supportive environment.

Communities managed by The Goodman Group recognize that each person's journey is unique. The decision to move to a senior living community is significant and deeply personal. By recognizing the signs early and having thoughtful conversations, families can navigate this transition together with dignity and respect for everyone involved.