Looking back at the holidays, many people may be wondering what was wrong with Mom and Dad now that they’re seniors. For those who don’t see their parents regularly, the challenges of aging can be disconcerting. Unfortunately, that white-knuckle car ride after Thanksgiving or the unexpected fall at Christmas may have been warning signs of a bigger problem. According to Brian Levy of Cambridge Caregivers and Manchester Place Care Homes, the holidays are often the start of the “busy season” for people in the senior care industry.
“People come home, see their parents, and are kind of like, ‘Oh my God, what happened?’,” he said.
North Texas boasts a wide array of senior living options. They range from traditional nursing homes to boutique assisted living care homes like Manchester Place that provide round-the-clock care in custom, purpose-built homes. The key is determining what care your parents need and what would be the best situation for them.
“They’re losing their independence,” Levy said. “We what to keep them independent and active, but also keep them safe.”
Getting the seniors in your life to talk about this can be daunting. Many aren’t eager to share the problems they are having, particularly embarrassing issues like bed-wetting or dressing themselves. It often falls upon loved ones to help find the best setting for them. For some, it may be as simple as moving closer to family or having a friend check in more regularly. But for others, the reality is that many of us reach a point where we will need more regular care.
According to the AARP, more than half of the adult population will develop a severe disability at some point that requires long-term support and services. Among the potential warning signs to be on the lookout for are changes in personal hygiene or the upkeep of their home. If your parents are telling you that they are eating, but the fridge is full of spoiled food, it may be time to take a serious look at different living arrangements.
The decision to seek some sort of assisted living is not an easy one. The thing to remember is that the number of options available today means there should be a good fit for your loved ones. Besides Cambridge, several new active older adult and extended care facilities have expanded in the Dallas area, including C.C. Young on White Rock Lake. It’s just a matter of finding a place that can keep them safe but also keep them active and provide the best quality of life possible. That means things like trips to the museum, puzzles, educational programming, and other engaging activities designed to keep the body working and the mind sharp.
“Every person is different, and every case has different circumstances,” Levy said. “We really focus on helping people age with dignity.”
