Deciding to move to an assisted living community can be complicated. With so many factors contributing to the decision, there's not always a “right” time to make such a significant change. If you find your parent is apprehensive about discussing moving to an assisted living community, you're not alone. Often, these conversations are emotional and stressful, but having the discussion sooner rather than later can decrease stress in the long run.
Assisted living communities offer many benefits, including increased safety and socialization, which result in improved health and overall quality of life. Contrary to what many may think, assisted living communities often increase independence and freedom compared to living at home. In addition to supporting physical needs, assisted living communities open up possibilities to try new things, make new friends, and stay active and engaged.
Cooper City, Florida, is home to several assisted living communities. Here are five signs that your parents should consider moving to one.
1. Increased Safety Concerns
Many adult children worry about their parent's safety when living at home alone. You may notice increased accidents or injuries resulting in bruises or cuts. For those experiencing cognitive changes, there may be concerns about leaving the stove on, difficulty managing medications, or even becoming lost.
Sometimes, a house's structure, like stairs and small bathrooms, can increase safety concerns. An assisted living community with senior-friendly designs provides help on standby at all hours of the day.
2. Difficulty Managing Daily Needs
If you notice changes in your loved one's ability to manage their care, it may be time to consider a move to assisted living. You might notice inconsistency with bathing or changing clothes. This can occur for various reasons, like physical difficulty or forgetfulness. The resident assistants at an assisted living offer help and reminders to keep your loved one on a healthy routine.
Managing medications and maintaining proper nutrition can become challenging with aging. Difficulty keeping up with these daily needs consistently results in overall poor health.
3. Struggling to Manage Household Upkeep
Household upkeep can be overwhelming at any age. Changes in mobility can make it difficult to clean and manage home repairs. If you notice laundry or dishes piling up, unclean spaces, or the home falling into disrepair, it may be time to consider if managing a home is becoming too much to do independently.
Assisted living communities make it easy to focus on what matters most, with housekeeping and linen services and a dedicated team managing apartment maintenance.
4. Loneliness & Isolation
Loneliness and isolation are leading causes of mental illness and dementia in older adults. Changes in routine, like a retirement from a career or driving, can make it difficult to stay social. While there are many opportunities in the Cooper City area for older adults to remain active and involved, older adults who no longer drive may find it difficult to coordinate transportation.
Alternatively, difficulty hearing or cognitive impairments can contribute to an older adult's isolation. If you notice your loved one withdrawing from conversations or having fewer opportunities to be social, it may be time for a conversation about assisted living communities. Assisted living communities offer plenty of engagement opportunities to encourage familiar hobbies and foster new interests.
5. Caregiver Burnout
Many adult children focus on the changes they see in their parents when considering the right time for assisted living. However, it's also essential to consider how caregiving impacts you or your parent's caregiver. Caregiver burnout can cause physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
You may notice changes such as exhaustion, mood changes, and difficulty keeping up with other responsibilities. These include your own medical appointments, commitments to other loved ones, and career responsibilities. When caregiver burnout is present, it can also lead to your parents not receiving the care they need.
Even after a move to an assisted living community, if you or your parent's caregiver is experiencing burnout, the Cooper City community offers support groups and therapists to help manage the symptoms of burnout.
If you notice one or multiple of these indicators in your parent, consider a transition to an assisted living community. An assisted living community in Cooper City, FL, allows your parent to live their best life, allowing you both to focus on what matters most.
Download The Arbor Company's Complete Guide Assisted Living to learn everything you need to know about assisted living— from care to costs and benefits, and so much more.
