Transitions are a natural part of senior care and living situations, but it can be difficult to know when the time is right to make a change. For example, those currently in independent living communities can have trouble deciding when it is the right time to make the move to an assisted living level of care.
VOANS has both assisted and independent living communities, so we’ve put together a guide to help residents and loved ones decide when to make the change to assisted living.
Understanding Independent vs. Assisted Living
Knowing the differences between independent and assisted living is vital to knowing the time is right to make a living situation change.
Independent living offers a maintenance-free lifestyle in a community setting. While classes, events, activities and some meal options are offered, residents receive minimal support during their day-to-day life.
In addition to a vibrant schedule of possible events and activities, assisted living provides more daily support for residents including medication management, personal care and mobility assistance.
Signs That It May Be Time to Transition to Assisted Living
Change can be difficult to track when you consistently spend time around someone, so looking for specific signs that your loved one may benefit from moving from independent to assisted living can help in the decision making process. Some key indicators that assisted living may be the right choice include:
- Physical Health Decline – Difficulty managing personal hygiene, dressing and mobility issues.
- Cognitive Health Concerns – Memory loss, confusion and difficulty with routine tasks.
- Increased Safety Concerns – Falls, accidents or inability to safely move through and manage their living space.
- Difficulty With Household Maintenance – Challenges with cooking, cleaning, laundry or managing bills.
- Loneliness and Social Isolation – Signs of depression, isolation or decreased engagement with friends or activities.
While these aren’t the only signs that assisted living could be the best choice for your loved one, they are some of the most common and can help you and your loved one make the right decision for them.
Benefits of Assisted Living
Assisted living communities are a great fit for those who value the independence and privacy of living in their own space, but would still benefit from or require care on a regular basis. There are many benefits that assisted living communities residents enjoy, some which include:
- Daily medical oversight and personal assistance, if needed
- Easing the burden on caregivers
- Improved quality of life
- Individualized care plans
- Independence and autonomy — not constant monitoring
- Social opportunities, activities and events with the community of other residents
- Thoughtful safety features and 24/7 support staff
How to Have the Conversation With Loved Ones
It can feel difficult or awkward to begin having conversations about moving to assisted living, but having these conversations as soon as needed — or earlier! — can help make the transition easier and help improve your loved one’s quality of life faster.
The best tip for these talks is to encourage your loved one to be part of the decision-making process, even — or maybe especially — if they are against the idea initially. You should also concentrate on being respectful when speaking and listening, no matter what tone the conversation takes on. Engaging with an authority figure that your loved one trusts, such as a clergy member, colleague or community leader, and having them provide reassurance and advice can also be beneficial.
During the course of these conversations, make sure to assure your loved one that their independence and privacy will still be valued and respected, even with little things like choosing what community events and activities to attend. Other common worries include financial concerns or leaving the home they know and love. While it can be difficult to leave the place they are living, it’s important to highlight the value of personal care and assistance and how that can improve their quality of life, even in a new space. For those with financial concerns, having a fixed cost that includes everything in a single payment can actually make creating and keeping a budget easier for some people.
Making the Transition Easier
Once the choice has been made to move to an assisted living community, making the transition as easy and stress-free as possible is the goal. To that end, take the time to tour a variety of communities to find what best matches what your loved one wants and needs. Helping them physically move their belongings is helpful, but taking the time to help them make downsizing decisions and emotionally prepare for the move can be even more valuable for their peace of mind and mental health.
The Decision to Transition to Assisted Living
If you recognize any signs that indicate your loved one needs, or would dramatically benefit from, moving from independent to assisted living, it is a good time to start having conversations about making the move. Include your loved one’s input and have thoughtful discussions about the benefits of making the transition and how much assisted living can improve their quality of life.
If you’re looking for a welcoming, warm environment with vibrant communities and expert care, be sure to explore VOANS assisted living communities. Schedule a tour or reach out to the community’s director for more information — we can’t wait to meet you!
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