Helping Parents Transition to Assisted Living

Helping an elderly parent transition into assisted living constitutes a significant change that involves emotional, practical and financial considerations. Starting that conversation can be a delicate process, and there are ways to make the transition easier on everyone.

How Do You Know When Your Loved One is Ready for Assisted Living?

There are signs people can exhibit to let us know how they’re feeling without them saying anything. If you worry that your parent or loved one is struggling to live independently, here are common signs to look out for:

• Declining health or chronic conditions
• Decreased mobility
• Cognitive decline
• Concerns with falling
• Mishandling medication
• Social isolation
• Concerns about diet, nutrition
• Safety concerns about managing appliances (microwave, oven, etc.)

How to Approach Elderly Parents/Loved Ones About Assisted Living?

If you’re going to approach your parents or a loved one about the topic of moving to an assisted living community, it’s better to start with bringing up the idea sparingly from time to time. Focus on the positives of what an assisted living community can offer them, which is an easier way of life with peace of mind.

You can also make your concerns known to your parents or loved one about how being a caregiver has had impacted on your life. But do not guilt trip them. Approach the conversation gently with kindness, focus on wanting to enjoy spending quality time with them versus the duties of caregiving.

Doing some research into local assisted living communities can help both you and your loved one understand all the options and benefits available. Which can help you highlight and showcase the aspects which are most important to your loved one.

Assisted Living Options

Available assisted living options will vary depending on the community. Talk with your loved one together to make a list of priorities.

• Communities and amenities:
  • Dining options
  • Recreational activities
  • Wellness programs
  • Maintenance-free living (snow-removal, laundry, cooking).
• Staff & Care Services: What care services they provide and qualifications they have. Give them peace of mind that someone is available for them 24/7.
• Location & Accessibility: It is close for friends and family to visit, while allowing their loved one or parent to remain in a neighborhood comfortable for them and familiar.
• Cost & Financial Planning: Explore funding options, long-term care insurance, government assistance programs. It’s important not to compromise on quality.
  • Social security
  • Veterans Aid &
  • Attendance for Veterans and their spouses.

How Long Does It Take a Person to Adjust to Assisted Living?

Even after moving in, there can be an adjustment period. It can take as little as a week to feel comfortable, or as long as three to six months. Issues adjusting early on are normal. Thankfully, many assisted living communities have resident ambassadors who partake in the “buddy system”; they can show new residents where to go and what to do. Staff members are also trained with the best tips and tricks and only a button press away from answering any questions.

What is the Best Age to Move to Assisted Living?

There is no “best age” to make the transition. The choice is based on the needs of your loved ones. It’s common to see residents as young as 60 or well into their 90s when moving into an assisted living community.

It’s important to be proactive and research everything as early as possible to avoid a situation where decisions must be made quickly. The less time you have for planning the more limited your options can become. It is best practice to involve your loved one in on the decision as much as possible to help the transition.

How to Prepare to Move to Assisted Living?

1. Prepare a budget: Understand all the financial responsibilities like monthly fees, potential additional costs, and medication expenses.
2. Start downsizing: Decluttering and sorting through possessions helps minimize what you must move. If you get overwhelmed by this task, there are more resources available:
   1. Move managers
   2. Professional downsizers
   3. Estate planners
3. Essential items: During the packing process, have all essential items like important documents and medication grouped separately.
4. Talk to your primary physician: Make sure all your medical paperwork is updated. The assisted living community can walk you through steps to complete any admission documents.
5. Hiring a moving company
6. Familiarize yourself with the new space: Including the layout of the community and the amenities.
7. Communication: Let friends and family know about the move and involve them in the planning if possible.

Episcopal SeniorLife Communities Assisted Living Options

At Episcopal SeniorLife Communities, we are committed to individualized care so that every one of our senior assisted living residents can live a healthier, more purposeful life, enriched with wellness and learning activities, social opportunities and care coordination from our dedicated, professional staff. If you have any questions about assisted living, please contact us today. We are happy to set up a guided tour for you and your loved one to offer peace of mind, answer any questions, and show you available options to suit your needs.