Many over the age of 65 are reluctant to move into a retirement community, and prefer to age in place. However, the following five signs are an indication that your aging parent would benefit from assisted living homes in Apex, NC.

They are Frequently Forgetting Things

While it isn’t unusual for aging individuals to have memory lapses from time to time, if they are frequently forgetting to do things such as locking their doors, turning off a stove after using it, or taking their medication, this is a sign of possible cognitive decline, and it is best to get them into a retirement community where they will be guided by therapists who can prevent dementia before it occurs.

They are Neglecting Household Chores

When visiting your parent in their home, pay close attention to the surroundings. Have they washed the dishes? Mopped the floors? Done the laundry? If the home seems uncharacteristic ally dirty, this can be an early sign of a problem, especially if they are known for being fastidious. It is often an indication that they no longer have the energy or desire to be bothered with household chores.

They’ve sustained a fall

It is common for those over the age of sixty five to experience a loss of balance, which is one of the consequences of aging. And it doesn’t help that most in this age group don’t exercise, which is why falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death in the United States. If your aging parent falls even once, you should take this seriously, even if they are not badly injured, because next time they might not be so lucky.

Odd or Unusual Behavior

If you witness the following behaviors in your parent, it could be a sign that they have dementia and are in need of memory care:

Difficulty speaking or finding the correct words
They get lost, wander off or become disoriented
They become uncharacteristically aggressive
They have trouble organizing, concentrating or planning

Any of the above behaviors should be a cause for concern, especially if they occur frequently. It is usually a sign of Alzheimer’s or dementia, and the earlier you get a diagnosis, the better.

They’re Recovering from Surgery or Injury

If your loved one has recently had a surgical operation or they’re in the process of recovering from an injury, leaving them alone for long periods of time is probably not a good idea. This is why some experts recommend skilled nursing, which offers both long and shorter term rehabilitative care. This is highly beneficial for elders that require post-operative conditioning because of joint replacements, but can also help those who are recovering from a fall, stroke or illness.

Why Assisted Living Is the Best Option

While some children attempt to care for their parents at home, assisted living communities provide a level of service that they will never be able to match. And because children have their own lives, careers and responsibilities, caring for an aging parent can quickly become overwhelming.