There can be a lot to look forward to when we get “old.” For many, old age means retirement, travel, spending more time with family, and so on. Have you considered, however, some of the more difficult things that might need to be faced? With old age, there may be loss of our independence, the increasing possibility of serious illness, as well as the potential for cognitive decline.
One of the toughest challenges for many older adults may be transitioning to an assisted living community. This can be due to the misconceptions about assisted living facilities. Let us take a look at some basic information about assisted living to help ease this transition.
First, it can be important to understand what differentiates an assisted living facility from a nursing home. In general, a nursing home accommodates older adults who need comprehensive medical care, supervision, and related services. An assisted living facility offers similar services, but caters to residents who may not need the same level of care.
Residents at an assisted living facility may receive help with routine tasks such as personal hygiene, dressing, and housekeeping, to name a few. Their meals are usually, but not always, made on site. In some cases, residents can eat and socialize together in a communal dining room. Living arrangements may also vary, ranging from private apartments to shared rooms. Additional features also vary based on factors such as location and the type of resident the facility accommodates.
It may be time to transition to an assisted living facility if an older adult is having trouble with simple, yet essential, tasks. These can include grocery shopping, preparing and eating healthy meals, self-care, household chores, and yard work..
Evidence that an older adult may no longer be safe at home include things like unexplained injuries or an inability to take medications properly. A move to assisted living may also be warranted if the senior’s house is not equipped for aging in place, or the senior does not have a personal alert device.
A transition may also be in order if the older adult seems unhappy or depressed. This may be the case if the senior no longer has opportunities to socialize or engage in activities that he or she used to enjoy.
Ultimately, the decision to move into an assisted living facility can be highly personal, and often highly emotional. In many cases, finances may also play a big part. Depending on the situation, there may also be legal considerations. To learn more about the legal implications associated with this transition, give us a call. We would be happy to address your questions and concerns.
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