When a parent wants to stay independent but needs some help with their day-to-day endeavors, what do you do? You consider helping them move to an assisted living community, where they can receive assistance with daily tasks and activities while remaining independent.
However, any large transition in life can take some time to adapt to. So, how do you move a parent to assisted living?
Start by learning the signs that a loved one needs assisted living, like difficulty with day-to-day tasks. Then, you’ll research potential nearby communities and think about location, budget, and quality of care. Make sure to include your parent in the process, and help where you can. And visit often—there’s nothing like quality time spent together.
How to Tell If a Parent Needs Assisted Living
As our parents age, their needs may change. Assisted living communities can be an excellent option for seniors who want to maintain their independence while enjoying a vibrant lifestyle. These communities offer a supportive environment with assistance for daily tasks like dressing, bathing, medication management, and housekeeping, freeing your parent to focus on the things they enjoy, participate in social activities, and explore new hobbies.
Here are some signs that assisted living might be a good fit for your parent:
- Mobility issues
- An increased risk of falling
- Difficulty keeping up with personal care
- Frequent forgetfulness with medication
- Noticeable weight loss or lack of appetite
- Increasing isolation
- A lack of interest in social activities
Your parent can move to a community where they can get their own apartment or condo-style unit, and gain access to a wide range of programs, activities, amenities, and more.
Assisted living residents should be relatively medically stable and capable of remaining primarily independent. If your parent needs round-the-clock access to advanced medical care or cognitive support, they may require memory care.
How to Talk to a Parent About Assisted Living
If you’ve noticed signs that your parent might benefit from assisted living, it can be a great opportunity to have a conversation about their future needs. The Enclave of Scarborough offers a supportive environment with unique services and amenities that can enrich your parent’s life.
Initiating the conversation can feel strange, but remember to approach it with love and empathy. Choose a calm and quiet time to talk and express your concerns about their well-being.
Focus on the positive aspects of assisted living, such as opportunities for social interaction, engaging activities, and the peace of mind that comes with having a helping hand when needed. Listen attentively to your parent’s concerns and give them time to process the information.
How to Choose a Senior Living Community
If your parent agrees that assisted living is the right choice, it’s time to explore your options. Here are some steps to get you started:
- Financial considerations: Explore pricing structures, payment options, and any additional fees associated with various communities.
- Care needs assessment: Evaluate your parent’s current and potential future care needs. Consider the level of assistance available in different communities.
- Services, amenities, and activities: Research the services and amenities different communities offer and what would enhance your parent’s life.
- Location and surroundings: Consider your parent’s preferences regarding climate, proximity to family and friends, and the overall community feel.
- Medical care access: Determine if on-site medical care is important or if easy access to external medical services is sufficient.
- Community culture: Tour different communities and observe the residents’ interactions and overall atmosphere.
- Living space options: Consider the size, layout, and features that best suit your parent’s needs and preferences.
Most communities allow you to tour them and get a sense of the environment firsthand. Here are some things to pay attention to during the tours:
- Common areas: Are they clean, inviting, and well-maintained?
- Resident interactions: Do residents seem happy and engaged with each other and staff?
- Overall atmosphere: Is it warm, welcoming, and feels like a place you or your loved one could call home?
Ease the Transition to Senior Living
Moving to assisted living can be a big adjustment, but with some preparation, you can make the transition smoother for your loved one.
- Focus on the positive aspects of the move, like having a supportive staff and access to new activities.
- Help your parent personalize their new space with familiar items to create a sense of comfort.
- Encourage your parent to establish a routine and participate in community events. This will help bring structure and opportunities to build new connections.
Be patient and supportive as they adjust to their new surroundings, and encourage open communication about any concerns they have.
Making the Right Choice for Your Loved One
The Enclave of Scarborough is a premier senior living community nestled in the scenic coastal town of Scarborough. We understand the importance of finding a nurturing environment for your loved ones and offer assisted living and memory care.
The Enclave of Scarborough fosters a vibrant lifestyle with chef-prepared meals, engaging activities, and exciting events. Our dedicated team is here to inspire and support your loved one, helping them live an active, engaging life.Schedule a visit today and discover how The Enclave of Scarborough can enrich your loved one’s life.
