Is Your Loved One Ready for Assisted Living?

One of the hallmarks of today’s seniors is their independent nature. That spirit has allowed them to face some of the world’s toughest challenges. However, it also sometimes is the reason they don’t want to objectively evaluate their current situation and entertain a different lifestyle which may be to their benefit and provide them many advantages, including an enhanced quality of life, safety and security.

Many adult children don’t know when or how to encourage their parents to make the move from home to assisted living. If you are struggling with this issue and answer “yes” to some of these questions, it is probably time for a change. We can help you through the process and provide your loved one with the options and opportunities that can make a positive difference in their life and give you peace of mind.

• What is your loved one’s typical day? How has that changed over the past one to two years?
  
  
• Is your loved one able to keep the house and yard as clean as before? Are they requiring more help from you or others to maintain their home?
  


• Is your loved one able to retain personal cleanliness? Can your Mom or Dad shower and bathe regularly without help? Are you worried about their safety in the tub or shower?
  


• Is your loved one a fall risk? Do they use some type of mobility aid, a cane, walker or wheelchair? Should they be using an aid? Have they fallen recently? Have you noticed a change in their walking, mobility, balance and equilibrium?
  


• Has your loved one fallen behind on bills? Is old mail piling up?
  


• Is your Mom or Dad able to manage their medical care, schedule and drive to regular appointments? Do you find yourself or others having to drive them to appointments, or be there to help answer questions or address medical concerns?
  


• Are medications in order? Do you know if your Mom or Dad is taking his or her medications as prescribed? Can they name their medications and their use?
  


• Is your loved one still cooking proper nutritious meals every day? Is he or she maintaining a healthy weight and getting some form of exercise? Have you noticed a sudden weight loss?
  


• Do you worry about your loved one’s safety when they are alone? Do you worry if you can’t reach them by phone?
  


• Does your loved one have an emergency call pendant? Have you suggested they have one?
  


• Has he or she lost interest in day to day activities and social activities? Does your loved one make excuses why they don’t participate with friends or engage in social events or church activities?
  


• Do you think your loved one feels isolated or lonely?
  


• Does your loved one seem to be withdrawn, fearful or depressed? Has his or her manner or character changed?
  


• Has your loved one’s driving ability diminished? Have you questioned if they should still be driving? Are there issues with low vision, physical limitations or early memory loss which could make driving dangerous to themselves and/or others?
  


• Has your loved one experienced a crisis situation recently such as a hospitalization from a serious illness, surgery or injury? Are you concerned about their recovery or future potential health issues?
  


• Have there been any recent serious lifestyle changes, such as death of a spouse or best friend? Has that crisis made a significant change in your loved one’s lifestyle?
  


• Does your loved one deny any problems or refuse to discuss the situation, even though you may have answered “yes” to several of the above items?
  

Please keep in mind that moving into an assisted living community does not mean a loss of independence. Our goal is to maximize seniors’ independence within an environment which celebrates their individuality and allows them to thrive. With an outstanding, trained and caring staff, your loved one can feel a new-found sense of independence and freedom as they navigate their world making new friends and remaining active. A wide array of personal care and other services, including healthy meals, will successfully address many of the concerns above. Your loved one can have a safe, comfortable, social lifestyle and you can spend less time and energy worrying and more time enjoying your times together as you visit!