Trying to figure out if it’s time to move into an assisted living facility? You’re not alone.
Deciding to move a parent or loved one to assisted living is one of the most difficult things any family has to do. It’s emotional. It’s complex. It’s painful, and often families wait until the very last second to make the move.
But guess what…
When you wait, your loved one is at risk.
Truth is, 70% of older adults will require some form of long-term care during their lifetime, and most of them will eventually need assisted living services. The decision to move into an assisted living community isn’t a matter of “if,” but a matter of “when.”
Let’s dive in…
Things You Need To Know:
- The Warning Signs That It’s Time For Assisted Living
- 6 Things You Need To Know About Assisted Living
- How To Start “The Conversation”
- Understanding The Financial Side Of Assisted Living
- What Is An Assisted Living Facility?
- Choosing The Right Assisted Living Community
- Wrapping Things Up
What Is An Assisted Living Facility?
Assisted living facilities provide housing and assistance to older adults who can’t or prefer not to live on their own but don’t require the 24/7 skilled nursing care of a nursing home.
Think of assisted living as the sweet spot between independent living and full-time nursing care. Residents have their own apartments or rooms and receive support services to help them with bathing, dressing, medication reminders, meal prep, housekeeping, and transportation.
Most importantly, they can remain as independent as possible while having access to assistance when they need it. Assisted living communities like assisted living in Tigard also provide personalized care plans that adjust as needs change to ensure residents are receiving the right level of care at all times.
In addition to health services, assisted living communities focus on quality of life. Residents get to socialize, enjoy restaurant-style meals, and stay active while also getting the support they need.
When Should You Move Into Assisted Living?
Boom. The million dollar question…
Look, there’s no single right time for everyone. It’s different for everyone. But there are some warning signs you can’t ignore.
Physical Decline & Safety Concerns
Can your loved one still handle the basic tasks of daily living? Is it becoming difficult to bathe, dress, or prepare meals? These things are called Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and if your loved one has two or more that they’re struggling with, it’s a big red flag that assisted living is on the horizon.
Look for these signs:
- Do they fall a lot or have trouble getting around?
- Are there unexplained bruises or signs of injury?
- Are they losing weight because they skip meals?
- Is their personal hygiene suffering?
- Are they missing medications?
Oh and the worst part? Many older adults will try to hide these signs of decline because they’re embarrassed. They don’t want to lose their independence.
Don’t let them.
Memory Loss & Cognitive Changes
Memory problems top the list of reasons families choose assisted living. In fact, 42% of assisted living residents are diagnosed with dementia or some other type of memory impairment. If you’re dealing with a senior with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or general forgetfulness, assisted living is a great option.
Early warning signs include getting lost in familiar places, repeating questions, trouble handling finances, forgetting appointments, and general confusion about time or place.
Heads up…
Memory and cognitive problems can get worse with isolation. Assisted living communities provide structure, routine, and socialization that can help slow cognitive decline.
Social Isolation & Depression
Older adults who live alone are at a higher risk for everything we just talked about. That’s why when a senior starts to withdraw, it’s a red flag that assisted living might be the answer.
They stop going out with friends. They give up on hobbies. They stay in their house all day.
Senior isolation is a real problem, but assisted living communities provide group activities, communal dining, exercise classes, and socializing opportunities that can help combat loneliness.
And trust me when I say the change in a senior’s demeanor after moving into a community like that can be profound.
The Home Becomes Unsafe
Look around the house. Are things becoming unsafe?
Stairs that are difficult to navigate, bathrooms without safety rails, poor lighting, clutter that causes trip hazards, and a house that’s generally hard to maintain can all become dangers for older adults who live alone.
Caregiver Burnout
Here’s a thing you don’t hear a lot of people talk about…
You can’t help someone if you run yourself down.
Watch family members that are providing the majority of care for signs of caregiver burnout like constant stress, exhaustion, neglecting their own health, and feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re at the end of your rope, let yourself seek help.
6 Things You Need To Know About Assisted Living
We know a lot of you are already aware that you or your loved one needs to make the move into assisted living. Now what?
- Start the conversation early.
- Visit multiple assisted living communities in your area.
- Look for communities that have things your loved one enjoys.
- Take time to tour and ask questions.
- Listen to the opinions and concerns of your loved one.
- Don’t delay.
Remember, the earlier you start planning and exploring your options, the better and the more time you will have to make the transition smoothly and with your loved one’s best interests in mind.
How To Start “The Conversation”
Ok so you’ve realized it’s time to move into an assisted living community, now what?
Trust me, I know how difficult this part is.
Approach the conversation from a place of concern, not control. Ask questions rather than make statements. Present assisted living as an option rather than a decision.
Listen to their fears and acknowledge them. This is hard for everyone involved.
Visit some communities together, take tours, and try to get a feel for what it would be like to live there.
Start talking about what you want your future to look like and how assisted living might help you achieve that.
The key is to start these conversations early. Don’t wait until there’s a crisis.
Understanding The Financial Side Of Assisted Living
The hardest part about the financial side of assisted living? It’s costly.
The national average for assisted living is around $5,676 per month but keep in mind this varies wildly depending on where you live and the level of care required.
Most families end up paying for assisted living with a combination of personal savings, retirement funds, Social Security benefits, long-term care insurance, selling the family home, and family contributions.
You’ll also want to look into long-term care insurance as well as what your state provides for Medicaid waivers. Keep in mind Medicare does NOT cover assisted living.
The key is to plan ahead. You can’t put this off until you’re forced to make a move and not have a plan in place.
Wrapping Things Up
Deciding when to move into an assisted living community is tough. There’s a lot to consider, from physical and safety concerns to the financial and emotional side of things.
The good news is there are generally plenty of warning signs to let you know it’s time, even if we don’t want to see them.
The three most important things you need to remember? Start the conversation early, do your research, and visit multiple communities to find the right fit.
Choosing to move into assisted living isn’t giving up or failing to take care of your loved one. It’s ensuring their safety, dignity, and quality of life.
The best communities focus on quality of life by providing social activities, dining, transportation, housekeeping, and individualized care to help residents live as normal a life as possible.
With over 800,000 Americans currently residing in assisted living communities, this is a transition many families face and the more you plan ahead, the better off you’ll be.
Take charge now and do what’s best for you or your loved one before an emergency situation forces your hand.
