As we age, it’s natural to worry about our parents and loved ones aging alongside us. Eventually, you may begin to notice signs that they need help maintaining their health and well-being daily. But when is it time to move a parent to assisted living?
Know that you’re not alone in asking this question and that there isn’t a universal answer. That’s why New Perspective is here to provide you with the knowledge you need to evaluate your situation and determine when assisted living is necessary for your loved one. Explore the signs to look for, the benefits of assisted living, and what to consider when choosing a facility.
Signs That It’s Time for Assisted Living
It can be difficult to recognize when your parent needs more assistance than you can provide. Here are some signs that it may be time to consider assisted living:
- Difficulty with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, or grooming
- Forgetting to take their medication or having trouble managing their health conditions
- Experiencing mobility issues or has had a recent fall
- Becoming increasingly isolated and lonely
If you’ve noticed these signs, it may be time to start thinking about assisted living as an option.
Benefits of Assisted Living
Assisted living offers a range of benefits for seniors and their families. Knowing these benefits and considering how big of an impact they would have on your and your loved one’s life can help determine when it is time to move to assisted living.
24-Hour Care and Support
One of the key benefits of assisted living is access to 24-hour care and support from trained professionals. They can help your loved one if they struggle with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, or grooming. Additional tasks include medication management and monitoring health conditions to ensure they’re receiving the proper care.
Socialization and Activities
As we age, it’s important to build habits that allow us to prioritize our mental and physical health. Seniors in assisted living can stay active by socializing with their peers and participating in engaging activities. In fact, most assisted living communities offer exercise classes, stimulating games, and group outings for this very reason. This is particularly important for seniors who are at risk of loneliness or social isolation.
Nutritious Meals
Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is essential in helping seniors feel their best. Another benefit of assisted living is access to meals that nourish their mind and body. At New Perspective, we provide our assisted living community with healthy, satisfying meals prepared with fresh ingredients by our on-site chefs.
However, it’s important that those in assisted living still have the ability to maintain their independence. For this reason, most facilities will provide a variety of menu choices to meet each resident’s dietary needs and preferences. This can be a great way for seniors to enjoy delicious meals while also getting the nutrition they need to stay healthy.
Peace of Mind
Finally, assisted living can offer peace of mind for family members. Knowing that your loved one is well-cared for and safe allows you to finally breathe a sigh of relief. This is especially significant if you aren’t able to see them every day. With this newfound peace of mind, you have more energy to devote to your other loved ones. Plus, it can take some years-long pressure off your shoulders.
Choosing an Assisted Living Community
Choosing the right assisted living community for your parent can be overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider when it’s time to move to assisted living.
- Location: Is it in a safe area with proper access to healthcare?
- Proximity: Is the facility located near family and friends?
- Services: What services and amenities does the facility offer, and are they tailored to your parent’s needs and preferences?
- Staff: Are the staff members friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive to residents’ needs?
- Cost: What is the cost of the facility, and does it fit within your family’s budget?
At New Perspective, we offer a variety of assisted living options to meet each resident’s individual needs. From independent living to memory care, we have a range of services and amenities to provide seniors with a comfortable and engaging lifestyle.
Preparing for the Transition to Assisted Living
Hopefully, you’re now better able to answer the question, “When is it time for assisted living?” However, know that when the time comes, it can be a big transition for seniors and their families alike. Communicating openly with your parent about the decision to move to assisted living is essential. If they’re concerned about the decision, have a conversation about what you can do to make them more comfortable. Whether that be personalizing their new space or promising to visit once a week, it’s important to keep their wishes in mind.
Most importantly, stay connected with your loved one. Even if you can’t see them as often as you’d like, try to check in with them daily until they seem fully acclimated to their new surroundings. Check in with staff to be sure your loved one is adjusting well and get advice on how to help them if they’re struggling.
Join New Perspective’s Assisted Living Community
Assisted living can be a positive and life-changing experience for seniors and their families. By recognizing the signs, exploring benefits, and choosing the right facility, you help your loved one receive the care needed to live their best life.
At New Perspective, we’re committed to ensuring seniors are able to make the most of their golden years. Our senior living communities offer a vibrant and inviting environment that enables our residents to enjoy life to the fullest. Contact us today to learn more about life at New Perspective.