As your parents grow older, providing them with the care they require can be deeply satisfying. Nevertheless, there may come a time when one parent requires more care than the other, creating a challenging balancing act. How can this be managed? Could both your parents reside in an assisted living facility even if one doesn’t necessitate professional care?
Even if one parent needs assisted living while the other does not, transitioning to a senior living community can be advantageous. The parent requiring care can receive a personalized care plan that addresses their specific needs, while your independent parent can savor all the benefits and conveniences provided by the assisted living community!
What is Assisted Living?
As our loved ones enter their golden years, their abilities and necessities may undergo changes. Sometimes, routine tasks such as bathing, dressing, or maintaining a home might pose a challenge. Seeing your parents grapple with their daily chores can be heartbreaking, leaving you wondering how you can best assist them.
This is where the concept of assisted living steps in. These senior living communities are designed meticulously with the specific needs of aging adults in mind. They ensure a balance between supporting the autonomy of your parents while providing assistance when required. If a particular task proves to be tough, a team of professionally trained caregivers steps in to lend a helping hand.
Assisted living communities have a straightforward objective. They strive to aid your loved ones daily with any task they find difficult, ensuring a comfortable environment that feels just like home!
Who Qualifies for Assisted Living?
Assisted living could be the perfect solution for any senior who is medically and physically stable because it provides a certain level of medical support but not advanced care. Prospective residents should be:
- Capable of carrying out some daily activities on their own
- Needing assistance with tasks like bathing, dressing, or managing medication
- Not in need of continuous medical observation or intense care
- Seeking a lively and engaging community
- Keen on accessing facilities and social events
Considering the emotional and social needs of your parents is equally important. One of the biggest advantages of assisted living communities is the ready access to a variety of events and activities designed to keep life exciting. It’s not just about providing a place to live, but ensuring your parents find a community that supports them every single day.
When to Move to Assisted Living
Identifying the need for assisted living in a senior’s life is vital. Be vigilant of signs such as:
- A rise in accidents or falls at home
- Struggles with appropriately managing their medications
- Significant weight loss and unhealthy eating patterns
- An escalated sense of seclusion or solitude
- A notable drop in personal cleanliness
- Emergence of depressive or anxiety symptoms
When you spot these indicators in your senior loved one, it’s an indication to consider assisted living.
The Benefits of Assisted Living
Transitioning into assisted living may initially seem a little complex, especially when only one parent needs the extra care. However, you should not be discouraged as many assisted living communities provide suitable arrangements for such cases.
Both parents have the opportunity to move into the community, with a tailored care plan in place for the parent who requires assisted living, while the other parent can easily avail of all the community’s amenities. This arrangement allows them to continue their life together, eliminating the need for in-home caregivers.
This environment is designed to provide the necessary support and comfort, ensuring each day is enjoyed to the fullest. Moreover, if the independent parent’s circumstances change, the care plan can be readily adjusted to cater to the new needs, ensuring both parents continue to live with dignity and maintain high-quality lives.
Easing the Transition to Senior Living
Contemplating assisted living for your parents is a delicate matter that requires careful handling. The entire planning process can be a bit overwhelming, so it’s important to take the time to figure out the best way forward.
Ensure to consider the following:
- Include your parents in the process. Let them take part in the decision-making process, visit various communities together, and permit them to share their thoughts and reservations.
- Get ready in advance. Get everything in order before the move, including scaling down belongings. Make their new space homely by incorporating familiar items and decorations.
- Keep in touch. Remain in constant communication and pay regular visits, particularly during the early phases. This aids in reducing feelings of loneliness and provides a sense of support.
- Advocate for social involvement. Inspire your parents to engage in social interactions and events within the community, allowing them to establish new relationships and feel more comfortable.
- Offer emotional backing. Exhibit patience and consideration. Recognize their feelings and assure them that the move is for their overall well-being and contentment.
Easing your parents through this transition can make the process less daunting and more manageable, thereby facilitating quicker adaptation to their new surroundings. Whether your mother, your father, or both require assisted living, always remember—this is about enhancing their quality of life.
Making the Right Choice
Making the ideal living choice for your parents is a monumental choice, so maintaining strong support is crucial. Congratulations, you’re on the right path!
At All American at Wrentham, we stand ready to assist your family during this change. Reach out to our team to plan a visit to our community, and embark on the journey to discover your parents’ future home!
