When Is It Time for Assisted Living?
The Question Most Families Don’t Know How to Answer
It rarely starts with a clear decision…
It starts with a feeling:
Something’s off.
Something’s getting harder.
And you’re not sure if it’s “time” yet.
Signs It May Be Time to Consider a Move
As you get these feelings, you’ll start noticing them more and more. Almost as on cue, you’ll start to notice more obvious things like:
Safety concerns like frequent falls, mobility issues, and being able to be alone in their house
Memory changes can complicate routines and healthy living
Difficulty managing the home is a clear sign that it may be too much house
Missed medications are common with people struggling as they age.
Isolation or withdrawal is the most missed sign, but is one of the first signs of memory related diseases.
If daily life is getting harder, it’s worth exploring options.
It’s Not Just About Safety
Obviously, you want your mom or dad to be safe wherever they are. Assuming that safety is the primary reason you’re even thinking about this, there are other factors to consider:
Quality of life is very similar to safety, but takes their happiness into account.
Social connection from being around people their own age and doing appropriate activities.
Reducing stress on the family is important for every one that cares for them and leads to a happier, closer family.
The decision to move is about safety first, but how your mom or dad live their life going forward is a huge thing to take into account
You Do Not Have to Decide Today
The fact that you’re reading this site and doing other research about your parent’s potential move to an assisted living community puts you far ahead of other people in your shoes. Even though you may not get to a final answer, you must have:
Clarity about what may be happening
Options about their future housing options and care levels
A Plan to move forward to make their home align with their needs.
Check out some Senior Living Options in Denver