How to Identify When it is Time to Move into an Assisted Living Facility
Denial can be a powerful thing. There may be some things, however, that we just cannot deny, no matter how hard we try. As we age, we can be more susceptible to certain physical and cognitive ailments. At some point, we may need some help doing the things we once took for granted and, at some point, we may have to relinquish our independence. For some of us, that may mean moving into an assisted living facility. How do you know, however, when it is time to make that transition?
It first can be helpful to understand the different options available to us as we age. In the broadest terms, these include retirement communities, assisted living communities, or facilities and nursing homes. Assisted living communities, or assisted living facilities, are generally defined as those that provide some level of supervision and medical care for residents. The extent of the supervision and medical care provided varies based on several factors. In most cases, however, it is not as comprehensive as that provided in nursing homes.
In addition to medical care and supervision, the services offered at an assisted living facility usually include:
Fitness, health and wellness programs
Housekeeping services
Food services
Help with managing medications
Help with personal care
Transportation
Unless we can be brutally honest in our self-assessment, it may be hard to notice or acknowledge certain changes as we age. It may be time to transition to assisted living if friends or loved ones may be noticing one or more of the following:
You are having difficulty getting around
You are not eating properly
You have not equipped your home for aging in place
You do not have any personal safety devices to summon help when necessary
Your personality has changed significantly
Your house or yard does not seem as neat as it did in the past
Strange, unexplained dents or scratches on your car(s)
Strange, unexplained injuries on you
You may decide it may be time to move to an assisted living community if you are not socializing as much as you used to or participating in activities you used to enjoy. You may also decide it is time to make this change if you have had a health scare or you have a chronic medical condition that is getting worse.
This can often be a highly personal and emotionally charged decision. You may want to get some objective advice from qualified professionals. We suggest consulting your financial advisor, banker, or similar financial professional. Our law firm can help you navigate the legal challenges associated with this transition. All you have to do to get started is contact us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you.