When to Consider Transitioning to an Assisted Living Community

There will be a time in the lives of many families when they will have to make an important and difficult decision about moving their loved ones into an assisted living community. Aging is an inevitable journey, so most people will eventually face this moment in their lives, but moving to assisted living is a huge decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

While many seniors prefer toage in place with an in-home caregiver, sometimes it is just not feasible. This can be for a variety of reasons: the caregivers are unavailable most of the time, senior needs become more extensive, etc. When this happens, transitioning to an assisted living community can be a much better way to meet their changing needs.

Keep reading to learn more about assisted living, the signs that your loved one might need assisted living, and how to make the transition easier for everyone.

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living facilities or communities are a type of housing designed for people who requirecustodial care (non-medical care) as well as medical assistance. Today there are more than28,000 assisted living facilities in the United States, providing a home-like environment with various levels of medical and personal care.

Assisted living facilities are designed to promote a sense of independence and comfort for the seniors that reside in them. The services coveractivities of daily living (ADLs), as well as 24/7 emergency care, medication management, as well as social and recreational activities.

AtBrookfield Assisted Living, we provide a variety of services to help you live an enriching life with a personalized care plan to fulfill all your needs.

The Difference between Assisted Living, Nursing Homes, and Home Care

Not all senior living communities are equal. There are several factors such as price, location, housing options, etc., that create a difference—but the biggest indicator of what you need is the level of independence required and offered.

●      Assisted living communities help with daily activities like getting out of bed, personal hygiene, grooming, housekeeping, etc.

●      Nursing homes focus more on medical assistance. Depending on the facility, the services can range from medication administration to more complex medical procedures including tube feedings, rehabilitation, wound care, and physical/occupational therapy.

●      Home care is a care service for people who decide they would like to stay at home instead of a community. A professional caregiver will regularly visit the household to assist in numerous ways—medication, meal prep, household duties, transportation, and companionship.

When Is Assisted Living Necessary?

Aging is not a concrete process—people experience the challenges of growing older in different ways. As such, it can be difficult to know exactly when it’s the right time to transition your loved one into a senior living community. It’s a sensitive topic, so it requires careful handling and understanding.

Since there are many emotions involved, this decision becomes a tough one. However, some clear signs indicate that it might be time to consider an assisted living community for your loved one:

1.   Worsened Medical Conditions

Older adults experience adecline in health and ability as they grow older. Sometimes, no matter how good in-home care is, it may not be enough to handle serious diseases and other chronic conditions.

Telltale signs that your loved one would benefit from an assisted living community include having difficulty with activities of daily living, coping with accidents (slips or falls), slowing recovery from illness, lowered mobility, and increasing frailty. When this happens, you might find that their needs are more than you can safely care for, but an assisted living community can easily handle them.

2.   They Are Unsafe

Memory issues are common in older adults, but when it reaches the point of self-endangerment, they may benefit from the support that assisted living offers. Many seniors with dementia or other cognitive disorders end up neglecting self-care, making mistakes like leaving the stove or oven on or wandering without knowing how to get home.

People with Alzheimer’s disease are prone to frequent wandering without caregivers noticing, which is a prominent safety risk and can weigh heavily on family members. Even if you have managed to secure the house, a fully secured assisted living ormemory care facility will offer the highest safety and security.

3.   Their Behavior Is Aggressive

One noticeable symptom of dementia is aggressive, violent, or confused behavior, which is usually out-of-character for the person. This aggression can be verbal, physical, a response to an event, or out of the blue. There are severalcauses for this behavior ranging from physical to environmental factors.

Seniors can become very frustrated and stressed with the world around them and can take this out on caregivers. If you have already tried various methods to manage this behavior, but it hasn’t worked, then it might be time to consider an assisted living community. This will not only help your loved one but you as well.

4.   Difficulty Managing Finances

In-home caregivers can be expensive, and as your loved one ages, their needs will become more comprehensive. Over time, you may find that you are having trouble managing domestic finances since the cost of caregiving help can exceed your financial resources.

While assisted living communities also present a cost, they can be more affordable than the cost of in-home care, while giving you the peace of mind that your loved one is cared for 24/7.

5.   A Decline in Care for Oneself

Caregiver stress is a real thing and can cause you to burn out without any respite. Caregiving can be rewarding and can enhance the relationship between the caregiver and the recipient—leading to higher levels of depression, lower quality of life, and poorer health.

21% of people in the United States provide unpaid care to a loved one, making over one in five Americans informal caregivers. If you find that caregiving is taking a toll on your health, take a step back to consider an assisted living community. Caregiver burnout can cause your ability to care for your loved one to diminish, meaning that assisted care will help you both.

Tips to Help the Transition to Assisted Living

Moving to assisted living is a huge change that will affect everyone involved both physically and emotionally. If you’ve decided to move your loved one to an assisted living community, here are some ways you can create a smoother transition.

Before the Move

●     Choose the right community.

Take your time to research the assisted living options in your area. It’s best to do this well in advance, but in the case that you can’t, make sure to ask any questions to the caregivers and staff when you visit.

●     Tour the location.

Get familiar with the location—the neighbors, atmosphere, amenities, food, outings, and social activities, but most importantly, see if it appeals to you and your loved one. Additionally, check for grab bars, storage space, natural lighting, and more.

●     Pack efficiently.

Once you’ve toured the community, you’ll likely have a good idea of exactly how much you can bring. Prioritize the most important items first, including essentials like toiletries, medication, clothing, and treasured items. 

●     Manage all logistical items.

Take stock of any cable, internet, or utility plans that may need to be canceled when your loved one moves. Additionally, contact the postal service so any mail gets forwarded to the assisted living community, and update their address wherever necessary.

●     Allow yourself to have an emotional transition.

No matter how thoroughly you and your loved one have prepared for the move, moving out of a home and into a community isn’t the easiest transition. It’s important to provide support for your loved one at this time, but don’t forget to take care of yourself.

●      Set up your loved one’s new space.

Setting up your loved one’s new space to feel like home can go a long way in allowing them to settle in quickly. Display any sentimental items, and arrange the room in a way that is familiar and comfortable to them.

Getting Acclimated

●      Spend time with your loved ones.

Adjusting to assisted living doesn’t happen overnight, but ensuring to visit your loved one regularly will help them get adjusted to their surroundings without feeling lonely or abandoned.

●     Get acquainted with neighbors and staff.

Your loved one will likely have several neighbors and staff around them who can all serve as a support and resource network. Getting to know the caregivers will also be useful when creating a care plan.

●      Get involved with events and activities.

One of the major benefits of assisted living facilities is the social activities they offer. Attending any events and activities that can help you and your loved one bond, and just have a good time.

After the Move

●      Listen to your loved one’s concerns.

As your loved one adapts to their new environment, you must listen to your loved one’s concerns and pay attention to their mood. They may need a change in their care plan or more enrichment, so make sure to listen and try to address their concerns.

●     Maintain a visiting schedule.

Family support is vital during the transition period, but it should also follow after your loved one has comfortably settled into their community.

Brookfield Assisted Living is dedicated to providing the best care to seniors in Arizona. Whether you require personal care or memory care, we have the support, experience, and compassion to help your loved one live a safe and happy life. If you have questions or require assistance,contact us today.