Assisted Living: Making the Decision and Transition Easier
Suppose you’ve been wondering whether it’s still safe for your aging parents or loved ones to live alone. In that case, you’re probably exploring nursing homes or assisted living programs. In regard to elder care, Courtyard Gardens Senior Living is a luxury-style Boynton Beach assisted living facility.
Knowing when to transition into an elder care facility is a challenging aspect of having aging loved ones. Choosing the correct type of facility is even more complicated, with levels of care to consider and costs associated with each.
How do you know which environment is suitable for your situation? How do you know when it’s time, and how can you help prepare for the transition? In this article, we’ll explore navigating through the process to help you determine the right type of facility, when to make the decision, and how to ease the transition.
Nursing Home or Assisted Living?
A common feeling among the demographic age range of 65+ is a feeling of not wanting to move from a familiar home. It’s easy to see why someone wouldn’t want to move out of a home they’ve spent years in, but sometimes it becomes necessary.
Among people aged 70 or older, only 43% say they find it “very easy” living independently. Many seniors require assistance from relatives or community members to run errands, maintain a home, or perform self-care routines. Knowing which level of care your loved one needs will help you determine the appropriate elder care facility.
Nursing homes are more of a clinical setting, while assisted living facilities foster independence and provide support. Nursing homes typically have a room with a bathroom within the living quarters. In contrast, assisted living facilities usually offer an apartment-like home. Within each setting social activities are available; however, assisted living encourages your loved ones to be as independent as they want to or can be.
How to Know When it’s Time to Decide
Your parents may still be vibrant and living their best lives in their Golden Years, but you could still see signs that they need help. Did you know that 30 percent of adults with loved ones over 65 have had to provide financial assistance?
In addition to needed financial assistance, the senior population may require additional assistance as they age for varying reasons. If you’ve been worried that it might be time to consider an alternative living arrangement, here are some indications and considerations to keep in mind:
COGNITIVE DECLINE
The process of aging includes decreased abilities in certain cognitive functions, even in a healthy mind. If your loved one forgets to take medications or eat, or if they’re unable to attend to daily personal or household tasks, it may be time to consider a move.
EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCES
Senior citizens are in the highest demographic of suicide risk once they reach the age of 85. Feelings of isolation, depression, dementia, and sleep disturbances are often experienced during later years. An assisted living facility is ideal if your loved one needs increased social support.
physical limitations
Just as the natural decline in cognitive abilities present themselves while aging, so do physical impairments. If your loved one can no longer move up or down stairs in their home, bathe themselves, or their vision is now impaired, it may be time to consider if aging in place is okay or not. Seniors with recent injuries or surgeries may benefit from assisted living facilities.
Tips to Help the Transition to Assisted Living
The decision to transition a loved one from home to assisted living isn’t easy and shouldn’t be taken lightly. You can do several things before, during, and after to help the process go smoother and give them peace of mind.
Prior to making a decision on any facility, if time allows, tour multiple assisted living communities, nursing homes, or adult living communities. Get to know what each type of residence offers and what your loved ones can expect once they live there. Tour the selected facility again after the decision is made. Cancel ongoing services and subscriptions at the old house and have mail forwarded to make the transition smoother.
During the moving process, only pack what your family member will need and what will make their new living arrangement feel the most like home. During the moving process, help your loved one get familiar with the staff, neighbors, and community activities. Allow time for the transition emotions too, and make yourself as available as possible to enhance the sense of comfort and familiarity.
Final Thoughts on Making an Informed Decision
There’s no definite way to know the exact time that’s right to transition from aging at home to assisted living, but we hope we’ve helped you gain some clarity. Choosing the right place requires you to assess the level of care and comfort your family member needs and deserves. Courtyard Gardens Senior Living facility serves the elderly population of Boynton Beach with compassion, community, and luxury-living in independence with support.
Final Thoughts on Making an Informed Decision
There’s no definite way to know the exact time that’s right to transition from aging at home to assisted living, but we hope we’ve helped you gain some clarity. Choosing the right place requires you to assess the level of care and comfort your family member needs and deserves. Courtyard Gardens Senior Living facility serves the elderly population of Boynton Beach with compassion, community, and luxury-living in independence with support.
