It might be the right time to move a parent or loved one into an assisted living community when their health and safety needs are putting them at risk in their home.
Assisted living communities provide maintenance-free living, social engagement, and assistance with one’s daily routine. If tasks such as bathing, grooming, managing medications, or getting dressed are becoming a bit too difficult, a few hours of care each week may be exactly what mom or dad needs to retain their independence. Some assisted living communities also provide special memory care services for Alzheimer’s and dementia needs, offering much-needed peace of mind for the former caregiver.
While many aging parents are wary of leaving their family home to move into assisted living, the truth is that an assisted living community could be better than living at home when it comes to quality of life, social life, and wellness for seniors. Adult children who notice that mom or dad are needing more care may question how to handle their parents’ changing health needs. Inevitably, the day comes to assess whether our parents need more than they have in their family home environment.
Moving a family member is never an easy decision. There are, however, some telltale signs that caregivers can look for in order to recognize when it’s the right time for assisted living. Ask yourself: “Are the person’s care needs beyond my physical abilities?” or “Is the health of the person or my health as a caregiver at risk?” If you’re answering yes to those questions, it might be time to have “the talk.”
Assisted living communities offer:
- Nutritious, chef-prepared meals catered for specific medical conditions and needs
- Help with the activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, ambulating, and eating
- Intellectual stimulation such as opportunities for learning, book clubs, computer classes, gardening, and planned activities and outings, like cultural
events and field trips - No stress of housekeeping and transportation
- Physical activity and fitness
Assisted living is a great step for seniors who need more socialization and help with daily needs than the family or the senior can provide at home. It is not a nursing home that gives skilled care around the clock. Assisted living is designed for independence, accessibility, and mobility while offering expert personal care, supervision, and wellness attention if needed.
