It can be a difficult task to take care of our beloved elders. When a senior can no longer live on their own, the decision regarding how and who will care for them may arise. Change can be a difficult thing to accept, especially for a senior citizen; which is why it is important to properly prepare a senior for this next phase of his or her life. Whether they are moving into an assisted living, memory care, or in their own home with home care services, it is important for you to know how to get a senior ready to accept this kind of assistance.
First, how do you determine if your loved one needs senior care? I highly recommend taking a look at our article about the Five Warning Signs That a Senior is Declining, next determine the level of care he or she needs. The level of care a senior need is calculated by how well they perform the activities of daily living (ADL). This consist of our daily routines like bathing, dressing, toileting, and feeding. There are also other activities that can refine your decision on what kind of assistance you or your loved one may need. Similar to the ADLs, the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) are a group of activities that measure your ability to be independent. The IADLs are comprised of activities like cleaning around the house, cooking food for yourself, socializing, and being transportable outside of the house. With that said, depending on how well a senior can perform these tasks can determine how independent they can live.