As our loved ones grow older, they may require an increased level of care that you or another caregiver can’t provide. They may already live in a senior living community and need to move to assisted living to get help with daily activities.  

From increased opportunities for social interaction to a proper level of care, while balancing the need for independence, assisted living can be a fulfilling experience for seniors who require extra care. Knowing when to consider assisted living can make a world of difference for your loved one.

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living provides community members with the care and support they need to live fulfilling lives. When a person gets older, they often lose the ability to live independently, whether through a deterioration of their physical state or a diminished mental capacity to complete daily tasks. 

A dedicated team of trained care professionals is there to support your loved one in any way they need. These needs may include assistance with mobility, nutrition, or social interaction. Your loved one receives the exact right balance between receiving required care and providing them with independence and dignity as an assisted living community member.

Assisted living communities include many services and programming options, including:

• Recreational activities & events
• Health, wellness, & fitness programs
• On-call assistance for daily activities
• Housekeeping & linen services
• Meal & snack preparation

Assisted living communities provide your loved one with the help they need for everyday tasks. But how do you know when it’s the right time to consider making the move?

Learn the Signs 

When determining whether to learn more about your loved one’s options for assisted living, it’s vital to understand the signs to look for concerning their health, mood, and need for increased assistance. 

Isolation & Loneliness

Whether it’s due to their physical or mental state, your loved one may begin to feel isolated and lonely. If they can’t move freely to participate in social activities or don’t receive the required mental stimulation they need, they may begin to feel withdrawn.

You may notice your loved one’s mood shift. Your loved one may become more irritable, easily frustrated, or appear sad. Assisted living can provide the necessary community and mental stimulation required to help your loved one feel less lonely and isolated.

Increased Need for Assistance

In some cases, you or another family member may be the current primary caregiver for your loved one. As your loved one grows older, they may require a more rigorous level of care with increased time and effort needed to assist them. 

This increased care requirement places a greater burden on you as the caregiver and your loved one. Depending on their physical or mental condition, they may require specialized assistance you can’t provide. 

It’s equally important to consider the toll caregiving takes on a person as the benefits of assisted living for your loved one. Assisted living communities have dedicated team members who specialize in providing your loved one the help they need—you don’t have to do it by yourself.

Diminished Health

When people get older, they are naturally more prone to illness, injury, and other health conditions. Your loved one’s ability to balance may decrease over time, leaving them more susceptible to falls which could cause injuries. In addition, their immune system may become compromised, leaving them vulnerable to harmful diseases.

These signs of diminished health are another critical reason why assisted living may be an option for your loved one. Assisted living communities provide access to medical providers, daily medication reminders, and wellness programs that can increase your loved one’s quality of life.

Transitioning to Assisted Living

Helping your loved one move into an assisted living community can be difficult. It’s essential to maintain an open dialogue and make the experience one your loved one can enjoy. Scheduling a visit to an assisted living community can ease some of your loved one’s initial hesitation and even create excitement.

At Regency Senior Living, we offer 4 different levels of care to ensure your loved one gets all the assistance they require. Get in touch with us to learn more about how assisted living can positively impact your loved one’s life and give them the help they need to feel fulfilled.