5 Signs It’s Time To Consider Assisted Living

Deciding to transition a loved one into an assisted living facility can be extremely difficult, but is a decision that many people face as their family members age. Though it can be a tough choice to make, there comes a time when assisted living is the best option for both caregivers and their loved ones. But how do you know if it’s time to have a conversation with your loved one about moving to assisted living?

1. Increasing Difficulty With Routine Tasks

While many seniors require some assistance with daily tasks, the ability to go about daily routines is a key factor in determining whether assisted living should be considered. Some common signs that a loved one is not managing well on their own include:

• Trouble cooking and cleaning
• Changes in hygiene 
• Forgetting/refusing to take prescription medications
• Inability to safely drive themselves

2. High Safety Risks

If your loved one is at a high risk of falling, tends to wander and/or get easily confused, or has been diagnosed with a serious chronic health condition, it can be dangerous to live on their own. Even with a live-in caregiver, some seniors require a level of care that can only be provided by an assisted living home. 

Even if you’re living with your loved one (or hiring a professional senior caregiver), it can be hard to fully eliminate safety risks. Assisted living communities offer advanced safety features, 24hr specially-trained staff, and easier access to medical care. 

3. Mounting Home Care Costs 

Providing adequate home care for an older loved one can be expensive. Home accommodation equipment such as grab bars, bed rails, wheelchair ramps, and more can quickly add up and become overwhelming. Family caregiving can also incur indirect expenses, such as time taken off from work to care for a loved one. These direct and indirect expenses can put a serious strain on both loved ones and their family members. 

4. Difficulty With Isolation & Loneliness 

Mobility issues, transportation, and a variety of other factors can make it more difficult to lead an active and social life as we get older. Difficulties finding social opportunities and getting to them can result in increased feelings of isolation and depression in older adults. This is especially concerning when you take into account the impact that mental health can have on our daily lives and overall health. With a wide variety of planned on-site activities, senior living communities provide an easy way for seniors to stay active and socialize with their peers.

5. Caregiver Burnout & Ability To Provide Long-Term Care

Taking care of an aging loved one while balancing the other aspects of your life can become overwhelming. Additionally, as your loved one gets older, the level of care they need advances. If you’re already struggling to provide the level of care and attention your loved one requires, additional care can quickly become unmanageable. 

Deciding to move your loved one to an assisted living home is a hard decision. Ultimately, the answer to the question “Is it time to move my parent, grandparent, or other loved one to assisted living?” boils down to their ability to live independently and your ability to provide the level of care they need to stay safe, happy, and healthy. If it’s becoming unhealthy/unsafe for a loved one to live alone and you don’t have the resources to provide attentive, long-term care yourself, senior assisted living may be the best option. 

Finding The Right Assisted Living Option For Your Loved One

Assisted living for seniors can vary widely amongst different retirement communities. Different assisted living services, amenities, and senior housing floorplans provided by different retirement homes and communities can be a key factor in finding the best-assisted living option to meet your loved ones unique needs and interests. 

We invite you to learn more about our assisted living community by scheduling a tour for you and your loved one today!