Senior Expo

10 | 2023 Bella Vista Fall Senior Expo 479-443-9148 WWW.BIOTECHPHARMACAL.COM 35 FAYETTEVILLE MADE Y E A R S D I E T A R Y S U P P L E M E N T S & V I T A M I N S A L L - N A T U R A L I N T H E N A T U R A L S T A T E More than 800,000 people in the United States are currently living in assisted living facilities, according to a 2023 report. The decision to move oneself or an aging relative into an assisted living facility is complicated. The following are some indicators that the time might be right to move. · Emotional challenges: The National Council on Aging encourages individuals making a decision to move into an assisted living facility to ask themselves if they are experiencing feelings of loneliness or depression. Assisted living facilities can provide much- needed social interaction that seniors may not be getting at home. · Physical challenges: Perhaps the physical challenges of daily life have become too significant to handle alone. The NCOA notes that individuals who are feeling overwhelmed by tasks such as buying groceries, cooking and cleaning may benefit from moving into assisted living facilities that handle such tasks for them. · Issues with hygiene: Staff at assisted living facilities can help adults who are struggling to bathe, dress themselves or use a restroom on their own. Family members can look for signs that a loved one's personal hygiene has taken a turn for the worse. Issues with hygiene can be a byproduct of depression, and poor hygiene also can increase risk for infection and illness. · Injuries: The NCOA notes that falls or near-falls are another potential sign that a person can benefit from moving to an assisted living facility. Falls can hurt anyone, but they can be especially damaging to aging adults. Falls may result in loss of independence, chronic pain and reduced quality of life. Assisted living facilities are often equipped with features to reduce the risk of falls, such as grab bars in showers and bathrooms and even along corridor walls. In addition, assisted living facilties may be housed in single-story buildings or equipped with elevators, which means residents won't be forced to navigate potentially dangerous staircases. Staff also can respond quickly if residents experience a fall, providing much-needed assistance that seniors may not get at home. Is it time to move to an assisted living facility? Special to BELLA VISTA SENIOR EXPO

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