Making the decision to move oneself or a loved one to an assisted living community is difficult. It is not a decision to be made lightly. For those who need just a little assistance with day-to-day activities, moving to assisted living may be the best option. Caregivers can provide help with hygiene, dressing, feeding, movement, transportation, money management, shopping, meal preparation, and timing medications.
Although some seniors only need help with a few of these things, assisted living ensures that such seniors have help available without curtailing their independence. This transition checklist provides some things to consider before making the decision to move oneself or a loved one to an active assisted living community:
1. How much help does the senior need?
Shopping, transportation, meal preparation, and other such assistance may be easily implemented into a family member’s schedule. Whether the senior is living alone or with family, there are often family members who can take time every couple of days to help with simple tasks. On the other hand, some tasks require almost constant help. If a senior needs help with feeding, personal hygiene, and using the bathroom, it may be unreasonable for the family to provide all of this help.
2. How does the senior feel about asking family for help?
Although family may be able to provide the needed help, some seniors are sensitive about burdening their loved ones. This is why two similar situations may require different outcomes for different seniors. It is important to take the senior’s feelings into account.
3. Where do the senior’s loved ones live?
Many seniors may not wish to leave the town or neighborhood where they have lived for so long. Loved ones should be sensitive to this concern. If a senior can no longer live independently but does not want to move where close family members live, an assisted living care solution may be the best option. It allows seniors to stay in the locale of their choice without sacrificing needed care.
4. Which option is most affordable?
Depending on the needs of the individual and the cost of assisted living care, moving to assisted living may or may not be the most affordable choice. Although finances should not dictate where the senior lives, money is an important factor to weigh against all other factors. Assisted living communities are often less expensive than caring for the senior at home because caregivers provide help to many seniors each day.
Choosing to move oneself or a loved one to an assisted living community is rarely easy, but it is a decision that can be made with confidence. By taking into account the level of help that is needed, the attitude of the senior, the location of family members, and the costs of each option, seniors and their loved ones can make a decision that is in the best interest of all involved.
Atria Senior Living is a leading provider of independent and assisted living communities nationwide. If you are considering a transition to assisted living, Atria can help. Find an Atria Senior Living community near you today.
