Planning For Assisted Living: What Families Need to Know

The move to assisted living can be a stressful time, as many seniors will have a hard time giving up the home they’ve lived in for years. However, for some seniors, it is crucial to move into an assisted living facility so they can get the help they need. To prepare for this move, it’s important to do all of the following. 

Start Looking Ahead of Time

It’s highly recommended to start looking for an assisted living home in advance. This way, it’s possible to show the senior a number of different options, what benefits they offer, and more. Being prepared before starting the conversation about the move can help make it more productive, as it’s possible to talk about the benefits instead of leaving the current home or other worries. 

Know the Signs It’s Time to Move

It’s a good idea to know the signs that it’s time to move into assisted living. Knowing the signs helps to recognize them so the discussions of whether to move can be started earlier on and the senior has the opportunity to see why moving will be beneficial to them. Some of the signs it’s time to consider moving include the following. 

• Declining Health or Fitness – Seniors may have trouble getting around the home, may start to suffer from falls, or may have other physical needs that mean they could benefit from assistance. 
• Memory Decline – Seniors can start to suffer from memory decline as they age, and they may not remember things like turning off the stove or locking the doors. This can make the home unsafe for them, so they may need more help. 
• Inability to Socialize – If the senior is having trouble socializing or getting around, assisted living can be a great option, as they can participate in a number of different activities with other seniors. 
• Caregiver Burnout – Caregiver burnout can be a good indication that it’s time to consider the move to assisted living to reduce the burden on everyone involved in the senior’s care. 

Discuss the SItuation Together

Take the time to discuss the situation with the senior well ahead of the move. Talk about why assisted living will be beneficial and address any concerns they may have about the move. Though they may see this as a way to get extra help where needed, they may also be reluctant to leave their home. Starting the discussion well ahead of time can help to reduce the stress of the talk, help to get the senior to see this is a good idea, and help to involve them in the decision more. 

Plan for Downsizing Before the Move

It is important to plan well ahead of time for the move itself, as it can be challenging for seniors to downsize everything to prepare for the move. Depending on what they have and how long they’ve lived in their home, it is a good idea to plan quite a bit of time to spend on downsizing everything and determining where everything will go. 

Take the time now to start looking at assisted living facilities and talking to your loved one about the possibility of moving. Though this can be stressful and something that is hard to do, it is in their best interest and can help keep them healthy and safe as they age. 

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.