As our loved ones age, figuring out which living arrangement best suits their needs is hard enough.
Still, we must admit that times get tough toward the end when some transitions need to be made and might seem impossible to a friend or family member. Many seniors want to hold on to as much independence as possible, but sometimes, signs clearly arise that this isn’t possible.
In this blog post, we’ll walk through seven clear signs that indicate a move to an assisted living community may be the right step, along with the steps to take once you have decided.
5 Signs Might Mean It’s Time to Move to Assisted Living
- Declining Health and Mobility
Health and mobility tend to be the most important signs that a senior might require assisted living services. For example, if your loved one often falls, experiences issues with chronic health problems, or seems to be somewhat physically weak, that means that they need serious help. Assisted living homes make around-the-clock assistance available to residents so that in case of a need for immediate medical attention, that too can be provided.
- Trouble Performing Daily Activities
Daily chores such as cooking, cleaning, and self-care will be too heavy for the older person. If your elderly loved one depends on family members to do all the stuff for him or her, then assisted living is an option. Assisted living will provide your loved ones with daily support in the form of assistance in their daily activities that allows residents to hold their heads up with dignity and get all the care they deserve.
- Social Isolation and Loneliness
Seniors can live alone but with loneliness and depression because they will be isolated socially. If you happen to notice that your aged one has been pulling away, avoiding social activities, or an abuser of his friends and family, this could be an indication that such an elderly would require the social life of an assisted living homes. Such communities encourage socialization through engaging activities and programs meant for the socialization of its members.
- Hazardous Living Conditions
When elderly persons are leading unsafe lives, life becomes very dangerous for them. If an old person’s home is dirty, not well-lit, or lacks minimum precautional facilities like a grab bar and nonslip surface, it is high time that such a person needs assisted living. Assisted living communities ensure that any hazards related to accidents are reduced at a very high level due to immense consideration for safety.
- Memory Loss or Cognitive Decline
Major loss of cognitive skills, memory, and confusion are key factors in losing independence. If the person is forgetting where he put his keys, which of his meals he had today, or what they are doing in general and cannot seem to pull himself out of the fog, it may be time for more support. Many assisted living facilities specialize in memory care, such as homes specifically designed for people with Alzheimer’s disease, another form of dementia.
Steps to Take Once the Decision’s Made
When you come to the realization that now is the time for your loved one to move into a full-time assisted living community.
Here are some things you can do to help make the process easier for them:
Research Options
Begin by researching assisted living residences in your area. Look for communities that offer the services your loved one needs, such as medical assistance, social activity, or memory care. Online reviews, recommendations from friends, and resources like the National Center for Assisted Living can help.
Visit Communities
Narrow down your choices and tour possible assisted living facilities. Look at the surroundings, how the workers interact with others, and what is provided for the same. You can even involve your elderly person in the decision to make him or her comfortable with the idea.
Financial Choices
Know financial options for assisted living homes, which consist of:
- All savings
- Elderly person’s pension or retirement plan
- Veterans’ benefits and other types of governmental aid
- Medicaid
- Long-term care insurance
- Social Security
Including Your Loved One
Involve your loved one to a great extent in the decision-making. Discuss their needs and preferences openly. That can empower them further and make them feel respected as they go through such changes.
Prepare for the Move
Once you have chosen a community, begin to prepare for a move. Declutter and pack up things of value, and work with your loved one so they can make a new home in their chosen facility.
Communication
Maintain good communication lines after the move. Visiting and communicating with your loved one through phone calls can help the elderly settle into their new place.
Conclusion
Deciding to have your loved one make the transition into assisted living services is never an easy choice. Recognizing the need early makes that decision a lot more livable for everyone. Paying attention to your loved one’s needs and involving him in deciding on the matter can get the eventual transition into an assisted living community off to a smooth start. That isn’t to say to take away as much independence as possible but rather to provide that which would help them live life to the fullest and safest.
