Signs it’s time for assisted living.

According with American Health Care Association more than one million older adults reside in assisted living communities. These facilities offer access to 24-hour care for seniors who would benefit from some daily assistance but don’t require skilled nursing or specialized dementia care.

Do you know the difference between Assisted Living and other Nursing communities? “Assisted living provides a good balance for individuals who need some assistance throughout the day, but who want to remain as independent as possible”.

Is this the right fit for your senior loved one?

Ask yourself and decide if it is time for assisted living

Be proactive about recognizing common signs it’s time for assisted living with this checklist.

1. Does your loved one require help with activities of daily living?

Activities such as bathing, dressing, and mobility, present frequent concerns for seniors.

Medication management stands out as one of the most common concerns for seniors and caregivers. Errors in medication management can pose real danger for seniors:

Assisted living communities provide help with medication management, bathing, and other daily tasks, which benefits both seniors and their caregivers.

2. Your senior loved one need help with socialization?

Alongside these positive relationships with staff, seniors in assisted living also find connections with other residents. These friendships can increase a senior’s likelihood of participating and feeling part of a community.

If your senior loved one often seems bored at home, assisted living encourages residents to get involved with activities like fitness classes, happy hours, game nights, and more.

3. Would a maintenance-free lifestyle reduce stress?

Daily chores and home upkeep can raise significant stress for ailing seniors and their caregivers. Assisted living communities remove these responsibilities. In these long-term care facilities, seniors can expect services like:

• Vacuuming

• Dusting

• Bed-making

• Bathroom cleaning

• Laundry

• General apartment maintenance and food.

4. Proper nutrition became a concern?

Often, seniors may lack the energy or resources to grocery shop. Additionally, cooking can become challenging for loved ones as they age or lack motivation to cook for one. This can have negative effects on senior nutrition. When it comes to dining options, assisted living includes:

• Three chef-prepared meals a day

• Nutrients and ingredients from every food group

• Fresh fruit, healthy snacks, and drinks available any time

• Weekly menus posted in advance

• The option to select a special meal plan, accounting for diabetic, fortified, low-sodium, high-fiber, kosher, and other diets

• Dining rooms with opportunities for conversation during meals

5. Can you continue to provide adequate care long-term?

If caring for your aging loved one has proven to be a challenging balance, assisted living can mark an end to this struggle. Taking a proactive approach to finding trained, compassionate care can allow you to maintain your relationship with your senior loved one without the pressures of constant caregiving.

In other words, it’s crucial to be honest and realistic about your timeline and the expectations you’re placing on yourself, experts say.

6. Have friends or family members noticed changes in you or your loved one?

Have friends and family members commented that your loved one’s health may be worsening, or that they may need more mental stimulation? While this isn’t an automatic sign to seek out assisted living, it can present an opportunity to explore your options.

7. Does their physician recommend assisted living?

Just as a doctor’s opinion can comfort a caregiver, it can boost a senior’s confidence and enthusiasm in the decision to move to assisted living. Seniors are more likely than people of other ages to trust their doctors and take medical advice.

8. Is your own mental and physical health suffering?

In addition to all the time you spend caring for your senior loved one, take time to check in with and prioritize yourself. Ask yourself the following questions:

• How are you feeling about yourself?

• How are you feeling about the person you’re supporting?

• How are you feeling about how your life is going?

• How are you feeling about the amount of sleep and rest you’re getting?

• How are you feeling about other aspects of your life that you’re responsible for?

• Does the person you’re supporting enjoy being with you?

9. Is your loved one largely independent?

“If your loved one is experiencing cognitive decline and needs constant supervision, then they would need memory care as opposed to an assisted living facility.

In general, seniors in assisted living are mostly independent, but may need help with brushing their teeth, taking their medications, showering, or other activities of daily living. Seniors may also choose assisted living for socialization and mental stimulation. To see if your loved one would thrive in an assisted living setting, nurses typically perform a needs assessment.

10- Find the right assisted living

You’ve answered the questions and determined that your loved one may need additional care. Assisted living communities can provide support while preserving your loved one’s independence.

If your are recognizing signs it is time for assisted living, talk to our advisors and learn more about our assisted living.

Sources:

American Health Care Association (AHCA) and National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL). “Facts and Figures.”
https://www.ahcancal.org/Assisted-Living/Facts-and-Figures/Pages/default.aspx