Signs It Is Time to Consider Assisted Living

If you are the caregiver of a loved one with advanced ovarian cancer or you yourself are living with advanced ovarian cancer, considering assisted living is never an easy decision to make. It can be emotionally and physically draining.

Signs that a loved one needs professional care may be easy to spot: They may experience multiple falls and cannot get around on their own anymore. But sometimes, the signs they need around-the-clock care may be harder to notice. For instance, perhaps they forget to pay their electric bill one month. Or they forget to take their medicines as prescribed.¹

As advanced ovarian cancer progresses and a loved one’s health declines, it can be challenging to care for them. Key components to consider are your loved one’s safety and well-being. If they are at risk of hurting themselves, or you as the caregiver are overwhelmed and unable to provide the level of care they need, it might be time to consider assisted living.^1-3

While every person’s situation is different, there are signs and considerations that can help you determine if assisted living is the next best step.

What is assisted living?

Assisted living is different from a traditional nursing home. An assisted living facility is a type of residence for older adults who need help with everyday activities.²

Assisted living looks different for each person. People may need care in one or more of the following areas:²

• Personal care – bathing, dressing, taking medicines
• Mental and emotional needs – social activities, outings
• Practical tasks – laundry, transportation

Physical signs to consider

Physical signs that you may need to consider assisted living include:^1-3

• Frequent falls – Falls can range from mild to severe. They can cause increased disability and reduced quality of life.
• Forgetting to take medicines – Is your loved one remembering to take their medicines at the right time? It is important that they take their medicines on a regular schedule to maintain relief from symptoms.
• Noticeable weight loss or weight gain – Does your loved one feel thinner when you hug them? Are their clothes getting too tight? Good nutrition is important for overall health and for helping manage symptoms of ovarian cancer. Changing the timing of meals can impact their medicine’s effectiveness.
• Personal hygiene – Is your loved one having difficulties bathing, dressing, or going to the bathroom?

Emotional and cognitive signs to consider

There are additional signs that you might notice that can signal cognitive (mental) decline or memory issues:^1-3

• Unopened mail – Are there piles of unopened mail lying around the house? Lots of mail piled around and unopened bills may be signs of cognitive trouble.
• Social isolation or depression – Is your loved one getting together with friends and family? Are they feeling sad and depressed? Do they have someone who checks in on them regularly?
• Stale or expired foods in the kitchen – Are there spoiled foods in the fridge or pantry? Multiples of the same item, like ketchup? Is the kitchen clean?
• Lack of housekeeping – Are there spills that haven’t been cleaned up, piles of clutter, thick layers of dust, or mold and grime in the bathroom?
• Neglecting pets or plants – If your loved one has a pet, are they well-fed and well-groomed? If they are a plant lover, are their plants being watered and cared for? Signs of neglect could indicate something more serious.

Caregiver burnout should not be ignored

Caregiver burnout is real. Caregivers can suffer from depression, anxiety, and hypervigilance (where they feel they need to be on high alert 24/7). A loved one’s cognitive and physical decline can take a large toll on a family.^1-3

It is common for a caregiver to become exhausted and unable to continue to provide all the assistance your loved one needs. If that is the case for you, it may be time to consider assisted living or a higher level of care (depending on your needs).

Start the conversation early

Many caregivers experience negative feelings and guilt when considering assisted living for an aging parent or a loved one who is sick. Having these conversations early and often (before assisted living is needed) can help make the process a bit smoother.3

Be confident in your decision

Deciding on assisted living for a loved one is difficult and complex. While it is hard, it can provide a sense of comfort and peace of mind knowing that your loved one is safe and being looked after.

There are many resources out there that can help. Elder Care Alliance is an incredible resource that is a great first step. Talk with your loved one’s doctor and care team about options to consider. They can help you weigh your choices and know when the time is right to make the transition to an assisted living facility.