Caring for an aging parent isn't simple. The task becomes even harder if your parent is suffering from dementia. Caring for someone with dementia takes a lot of work. Even patients with mild cases of dementia often need the assistance of a home health care worker on a daily basis. But, what if you can't afford home health care and your living situation has become extremely stressful? It may be time to consider moving your parent to a senior assisted living facility that can provide around-the-clock care. In fact, if your loved one displays any of these signs, it's probably time that you seriously consider how a senior assisted living facility would benefit your parent.

Wandering

People with dementia tend to wander away from home, and often become disoriented enough that they can't find their way back. As the disease progresses, the risk posed by wandering becomes greater. It's common for people in the later stages of dementia to need constant supervision, and even if you're home with your loved one every day, there's still a chance that your parent could leave your home while you're asleep or even in the restroom. Moving your parent to a senior assisted living facility decreased the risk of your parent getting lost because the facilities are staffed around the clock, and often have a security system in place for patients prone to wandering.

Mood Swings

It's common for people with dementia, especially those with Alzheimer's Disease, to experience mood swings. In fact, people with dementia may even become aggressive, particularly if they have trouble communicating. Environmental factors, such as facing large crowds, being surrounded by unfamiliar people, feeling lost, or hearing too much noise, can also cause those with dementia to become aggressive. If your parent's aggressive state is causing a lot of disruption to your regular family routine, it's time to consider moving your parent to a senior assisted living facility.

Home Safety

As your parent's disease progresses your home may become an unsafe environment. In order to determine whether or not your home is a safe place for your loved one, you need to consider several factors, including:

• Will your loved one try to cook without supervision?
• Does your house have stairs that could cause your loved one to fall?
• Does your shower have a safety bar, place to sit, and anti-slip mat?
• Does your loved one have access to dangerous objects, such as knives, scissors, or tools?
• Are there any weapons in your home?
• Are all medications kept in a locked drawer or cabinet?
• Does your home have any tripping hazards?

If your home isn't properly equipped, an assisted living facility may be the best place for your parent, practically speaking.

Making the decision to move your parent into a senior assisted living facility isn't easy. However, people in advanced stages of dementia often need the additional care that such a facility can provide. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make. However, if your home is no longer safe, your parent has the tendency to wander, or your loved one has become too aggressive, choosing a senior assisted living facility will benefit your family immensely. For more information, contact a facility like Alpine Manor Home For Adults.