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10 Signs It’s Time for Assisted Living

10 Signs It’s Time for Assisted Living

October 18, 2024

Assisted living communities are essential for supporting seniors both physically and socially while maintaining their independence. The need for assisted living often arises when a loved one can no longer live comfortably at home without help.

Barbara Levison, a geriatric care manager, o?ers insights on balancing support with independence.

To Assess Suitability for Your Senior Parent, Consider These Thoughts and Questions

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Does your parent need assistance with dressing, bathing and using the toilet? Approximately 14.2% of adults 75+ require personal care assistance.

Socialization
Does your parent lack social opportunities? Assisted living fosters connections through activities.

Care Coordination
Would your parent bene?t from streamlined care coordination? Assisted living communities provide services from healthcare professionals.

Home Maintenance
Do daily chores cause stress? Assisted living provides cleaning and maintenance services.

Nutrition
Is there access to proper nutrition? Assisted living o?ers dining options to address nutritional needs.

Long-Term Care
Can you provide adequate long-term care? Assisted living provides round-the-clock care, relieving caregivers of constant attention.

Caregiving Cost
Acknowledge the hidden costs of family caregiving, including direct and indirect expenses.

Mental and Physical Health
Monitor your own well-being, recognizing that caregiver health is paramount.

Independence
Is your parent independent but requires assistance with daily activities or seeks socialization?

Cognitive Decline
Assess the level of cognitive decline. Memory care might be suitable for constant supervision, while assisted living caters to mostly independent seniors.

Moving to assisted living is a signi?cant life change for both you and your loved one.

If you’ve concluded that additional care is necessary, the following steps can guide you through this transition with your loved one.

Communicate With Your Loved One and Family Members

As someone who has noticed concerning changes, determine how to approach the topic with your parent and family members.

Whether having a one-on-one conversation or discussing it as a group, involve your loved one early in the process.

Be ready for multiple discussions, as there is no one-size-?ts-all approach due to unique family dynamics.

Consult Your Loved One’s Doctor

Even if you believe you know the best type of senior care, the doctor can clarify your loved one’s needs and provide insights into future requirements.

Organize Important Documents

Collect important documents related to ?nances, legal matters and health, such as life insurance policies, long-term care insurance, military discharge paperwork and living wills.

Collecting these documents in advance will help with care planning and cost considerations. Keep in mind that some insurance policies may have waiting periods, so gather them early.

Identify the key aspects that matter most in an assisted living community to ensure your loved one has a positive experience. We understand choosing a community feels overwhelming and are here to help!

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