Is it Time to Move to Assisted Living?

The choice to move into assisted living is as individual as the person making the decision. There is no clear-cut, step-by-step template that tells people exactly when it is time to consider assisted living as a long-term care option.

However, certain situations and signs may indicate it might be time to consider alternative living arrangements. Generally speaking, families and their older loved ones begin to consider alternatives when it becomes difficult for the older adult to carry on with important activities of daily living without significant support and assistance from others. Some of the challenges people can face as they age include:

Loss of Vision: As a person ages, vision can deteriorate to the point where reading is dramatically impacted and even the ability to navigate within the household is impaired. Consequently, errors in taking medications or falls caused by failure to see objects in their paths may occur. Driving may no longer be a viable option.

Poor Balance: Many older adults can become increasingly frail and unstable, putting them at risk for falls. Falling or being unstable on a regular basis is a hint that the individual would benefit from an environment designed to reduce the danger of falling.

Repeated episodes of falling or imbalance are a signal that the person could possibly benefit from an environment constructed to minimize risk of falls.

Memory Loss; Forgetfulness: Memory loss and forgetfulness can dramatically impact the well-being and safety of an older adult living alone. Simple matters, such as turning off the stove, become possible safety hazards if memory loss or forgetfulness becomes an issue. Management of medications, remembering when and how much to take, also becomes a risk factor.

Fatigue: The reality is that many older adults reach a point when they are no longer able to consistently care for themselves or their home. Meal preparation, home maintenance, and personal care can become overwhelming

Loneliness: For some people, isolation and loneliness can become a factor. When regular interaction with others becomes infrequent, older adults can quickly lose their sense of involvement and motivation. Even lifelong introverts can reap the many benefits of social interaction, including reduced risk of depression, increased cognitive function, improved physical fitness, lower blood pressure and reduced stress.

Dementia: When Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is diagnosed, it is often time to consider alternative care to maintain the safety and quality of life for the individual.

Physician Prescribed: At times, an older person’s physician may decide whether or not he/she can be left at home alone or unattended due to health conditions that require constant monitoring.

Is it time to consider moving into assisted living? Perhaps the best advice is to follow your heart to know exactly when it is time for you and your loved one to make the transition. For most people, change is difficult. The good news is that most older adults who have gone through the transition report that assisted living has improved their quality of life.

According to the results of a recent survey, Assisted Living can help create a sense of belonging and control for residents, easing the transition and fostering quality of life. Check out the results of this survey, which focus on the real-life experiences of residents and their family members. Then learn more from our residents by visiting our community.

The Checklist

Click here to download a checklist of more signs and situations that may help in your decision-making process.