There are telltale signs that will tip you off to know when an aging parent is no longer able to live independently safely. Adult children often experience denial when it comes to evaluating the mental and physical capacities of their parents, and the decision to move a parent is one to be taken seriously, to ideally be proactively made, not waiting for a crisis.  Use this checklist to help you determine whether or not it is time to consider moving your loved ones to assisted living.

• Eating nutritiously? Losing weight? Is there fresh food in the house?
• Are the bills paid on time? Are they able to maintain their finances and keep records in order?
• Experiencing falls and/or bruising?
• Have there been any episodes of marked mental confusion? Has there been a wandering incident?
• Not getting dressed all day? Depressed? Personality changes?
• Lack of social interest, isolation and/or a loss of interest in friends or favorite activities?
• Is one parent overwhelmed as the primary caregiver for the other? If so, is this parent equipped both mentally and physically?  Does that other parent have a caregiver to relieve them at times?

This is by no means a complete list of warning signs. This is the time that families get together to discuss their options, whether to maintain the home and provide the proper care giving support or consider a move to retirement or assisted living for their elderly loved ones.
Regardless of where you are in the process, contact Accent on Seniors to help you to understand your options for senior living, when home may no longer be the most appropriate choice.  There is no charge to you to find out about the various senior living places throughout California.     www.AccentOnSeniors.com