Issue 29.16
Dorothy once said: “There’s no place like home” and most of us would agree. As we age though, there may come a time when home is no longer the safest place to be. How can you tell when it may be time to visit The Meadows Assisted Living Community? Some signs are subtle and may occur over a long period of time, others are immediate and easily apparent.
Some of the biggest signs are a medical scare, a car accident or a recent fall. While these can happen to anyone, as we age the risk of this occurring increases and repeating problems become more common. Sometimes a few months of rehabilitation and physical therapy will help you get stronger but often daily help may be required for you to be safe and happy.
More subtle signs that you may need assistance are a noticeable weight loss, a lack of concern about appearance and body odor or becoming frailer. A loss of interest in cooking, housekeeping and maintaining a home and yard may also indicate that what was once pleasurable is becoming a burden.
Sometimes a fear of driving leads to staying in the house more and causes your social circle to shrink. If you aren’t going out for days at a time, it’s a red flag and you should pay attention. A lot of us think that going to assisted living means staying in and being less socially active. However, The Meadows has regular planned outings, entertainment and social groups for you to belong to. In fact, our residents often become healthier, happier and more independent in the supportive environment of the community. Come by for a tour! You might even be surprised to find yourself thinking there really is no place like home at The Meadows!
Stacey Maziarz can be contacted at The Meadows, 435-628-2262.