Is It Time to Move Your Senior Loved One to Assisted Living? How to Tell and What to Do

Many of us have loved ones who are declining, who are diagnosed with Alzheimer's, whose needs we are struggling to meet. You may find this wonderful, comprehensive, and well articulated article and related resources helpful. Having the information and support we need to care for our aging loved ones can make all the difference in the world. Bless us all. 💗 Molly

By Lydia Chan

It can be difficult, watching a parent or grandparent grow helpless with age. Their safety will then become your priority, and not too far behind, their comfort, as well. No doubt, you will do everything in your power to be able to offer both. Sad to say, the task of caring for a senior loved one may prove to be more demanding than what you can realistically commit to, especially when you also have other responsibilities to think about.

It is when faced with this situation that you are confronted with the need to consider a more comprehensive living option for your senior loved one, such as assisted living. This, however, is a sensitive and often emotionally charged transition that should not be taken lightly, so it’s important to take it a step at a time to make it easier for all involved.

Don’t Ignore the Signs

Yes, it’s not unheard of for seniors to live comfortably and safely in their own homes for years with the help of various home care services. However, this varies greatly by physical and mental capacities, so the fact is, not all seniors can do so. For this reason, it’s important to take stock of your loved one’s needs.

There are, in fact, signs that it may be high time for assisted living. Worsening medical conditions are the most obvious, as are increasing mobility limitations. However, many signs are a lot more subtle, too, such as forgetfulness, depression, isolation, and other such clues of cognitive decline. It’s absolutely crucial, therefore, to be watchful of evidence of difficulties and not ignore them. These are only bound to escalate over time, after all, and catching them early will help your senior loved one to avoid injury, or worse.

Have Their Best Interest at Heart

When there’s no denying that your senior loved one is in need of more care and assistance than you can provide, you will, of course, want to find out what are the options available. You may be surprised to know that there is, in fact, no dearth of senior housing options, and it’s really just a matter of choosing the one that’s best and most appropriate for your senior loved one’s specific needs, as well as preferences.

Probably the ones most worth considering are assisted living and independent living. It’s crucial to understand the distinctions between these two, especially apropos to lifestyle. As the name suggests, assisted living facilities provide more assistance in daily living tasks like bathing, continence, dressing, and medication management. Independent living communities, on the other hand, provide housing, some special amenities and services, and common spaces for seniors who are still able to maintain a measure of independence. Your familiarity with these options will surely come in handy in the next step.

Keep Them Involved

Recognize that, despite your best intentions, this is still your senior loved one’s life that’s on the line. For this reason, they must be included in the decision-making process, as long as they are still able. Know that this change likely won’t happen overnight, too, so be respectful and ease into it. A discussion of the virtues of this transition as it pertains to their best interests, as well as a compelling review of their options will be ideal, as well.

Cover All Bases

Lastly, make sure to consider all the details, sensitive or otherwise, of your senior loved one’s move. One thing you clearly shouldn’t sweep under the rug is the financial question as senior care expenses don’t come cheap. In order to fund their stay in assisted living, you may consider selling their home. Research home prices in your area to determine whether this is a viable option.

You may also consider purchasing a small life insurance policy for your parents as a way to ensure that final expenses are covered. When deciding on the cover amount, take into account their monthly expenses like medical and care bills, any existing debt, and even desired funeral arrangements. The fact is, assisted living costs can be hefty, and the peace of mind that this policy offers you and your loved one will be a godsend.

This change will be difficult for your senior loved one, but there is also no question that it’s only for the best. Ultimately, their safety and comfort is the priority, so don’t lose sight of that.

Photo via Pexels.com

Lydia Chan

Alzheimer's Caregiver | lydia@alzheimerscaregiver.net

"Alzheimer's caregivers are heroes." by Leeza Gibbons