Time never stops or slows, and it’s perfectly natural to be worried about watching our loved ones age. As they get older, their needs are constantly changing, so paying attention to these changes is important to give them the support they deserve. But sometimes, it may become clear that to preserve their well-being, they need professional help—like from a personal care home.
The signs it might be time for a personal care home include:
- Their physical health is declining
- They’re feeling isolated and lonelier
- You’re concerned about their safety
- They’re no longer able to take care of their home
Fortunately, our community at Juniper Village at South Hills is here to help!
What Is a Personal Care Home?
Personal care homes are communities designed to help older adults with daily activities while promoting independence. These homes provide a safe and supportive environment where community members can get a hand with things like:
- Dressing
- Managing medication
- Bathing
- Meal preparation
- Housekeeping
If your loved one values their independence but needs help daily, these communities are an excellent choice. They offer tons of benefits! Personal care homes have therapy programs, fitness classes, and even sessions where community members can learn a musical instrument or how to sculpt clay into a masterpiece.
They’ll be able to foster deep, meaningful connections with older adults going through similar experiences around them. Personal care homes design a custom plan for every person in the community so they can get the help they need while living in a place that truly feels like home. But how can you tell if a loved one needs personal care?
Their Physical Health Is Declining
As we age, our bodies go through physical changes that can make everyday tasks more challenging. Simple activities like dressing, preparing meals, or showering can become difficult or unsafe. This becomes even more problematic after a fall or a recent illness—it can be hard for older adults to recover swiftly.
Personal care homes can provide your loved one with the help they need to make their life easier. Their needs will be met, but they’ll still be able to live as they see fit!
They’re Feeling Isolated & Lonelier
It’s believed that at least 1/3 of older adults in the United States are isolated and lonely—and this number grows if they live alone. Loneliness and isolation may seem like a small matter, but they can cause a host of other problems. In fact, they’re closely linked to:
- Poor mental health
- Depression and anxiety
- A decline in cognitive ability
- A weaker immune system
- A higher risk of mortality
This makes it essential to address this problem. Our older adults deserve love and support just like everyone else. And in a personal care home, your loved one will be surrounded by others around the same age.
They’ll have access to plenty of activities and programs to build meaningful connections with others. This can do wonders for their mental and physical health—and it means they’ll have plenty of fun stories for your next visit!
You’re Concerned About Their Safety
Safety becomes a bigger and bigger problem as our loved ones age. Falling, tripping, or even going down the stairs the wrong way can cause long-term problems. Falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults.
While you can make plenty of adjustments to make their home safer and more accessible, you can’t be around your loved one 24/7. This can make them more at risk, leaving you worried about their physical safety.
In a personal care home, your loved one’s safety is paramount. These communities offer:
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Emergency response systems
- Easily-accessible environments
Our community at Juniper Village at South Hills takes it one step further with our Connect4Life program. Every unit has a coordinated program where your loved one can communicate with medical professionals, therapists, and all their services—all from the comfort of their home!
They’re No Longer Able to Take Care of Their Home
Owning a home can be extremely fulfilling and rewarding. But it also comes with its own host of responsibilities, which can be hard to meet as your loved one ages. Homeownership can be physically and mentally demanding, whether it’s mowing the lawn, fixing a leaky faucet, sweeping the floors, or shoveling the sidewalk.
Personal care homes offer a maintenance-free lifestyle where you don’t have to worry about home upkeep. Your loved one can enjoy their golden years and pursue their passions without worrying about chores or repairs.
They Need a Helping Hand
At the end of the day, we all want what’s best for our loved ones. If you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned above, it might be time to consider a personal care home for your loved one. So reach out to us here at Juniper Village at South Hills! Our team is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where residents can thrive and enjoy their golden years. Contact us today to schedule a tour and see for yourself!