Deciding to transition a loved one into assisted living can be one of the family’s most challenging decisions.
Imagine every morning you wake up to a phone call from your aging mother who lives alone. Your heart skips a beat each time, fearing it might be an emergency. She’s become forgetful lately, often missing her medications and doctor’s appointments. You’ve noticed the once-sparkling kitchen has become cluttered, and the garden she used to love is overgrown.
The signs are clear. She needs more help than you can provide, but the thought of moving her into assisted living feels overwhelming.
Assisted living is a residential option for seniors who need or want help with some of the activities of daily living—things like cooking meals, getting to the bathroom in the middle of the night, keeping house, and traveling to appointments. It’s a setting where they can live independently yet have access to necessary support and care.
Memory care is another consideration for older adults with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
But how do you know it’s the right time and choice? This blog post is designed to guide you through this critical decision-making process of knowing it’s time for assisted living with 18 crucial questions to ask.
As we dive deeper into each question, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what assisted living entails, ensuring you’re well-equipped to make the best decision for your loved one.
Eight Common Reasons Loved Ones Are Ready for Assisted Living
1. Are they experiencing falls or mobility issues?
Falls are common in older adults and can lead to serious injuries like hip fractures. If your loved one has difficulty moving around their home or has experienced a fall, it may be time to consider assisted living.
These communities are designed with safety in mind, offering handrails, ramps, and non-slip flooring.
2. Have you noticed hygiene, cooking, and housekeeping are harder to handle?
If you notice that your loved one’s personal hygiene is declining or that meals are often skipped or consist of ready-made foods, it could be a sign they’re struggling with daily tasks.
Assisted living facilities help with these activities, ensuring residents maintain a healthy lifestyle.
3. Have you noticed more isolation, loneliness, and decreased activity levels?
Loneliness can lead to depression and cognitive decline in seniors. If your loved one spends a lot of time alone, an assisted living community can provide social interaction and structured activities to keep them engaged and active.
4. Does your loved one have difficulty managing medications?
Incorrectly managing medication can lead to serious health complications. If your loved one often forgets to take their medication or takes the wrong dose, assisted living can ensure they take the right medicines at the correct times.
5. Have you noticed changes in their mood?
Mood changes can signify mental health issues like depression or a physical health problem. Assisted living homes have medical care teams who can help identify and address these issues.
6. Do they seem to have few or no outlets for hobbies and interests?
Lack of interest in hobbies can indicate depression or cognitive decline. Assisted living communities offer a variety of activities and clubs that can help your loved one stay mentally and physically active.
7. Do they display a lack of interest in or have difficulty with home maintenance?
If your loved one’s home is becoming cluttered or unkempt, it could be a sign they’re struggling to maintain it. In an assisted living community, the team takes care of maintenance and housekeeping.
8. Are you experiencing caregiver burnout?
Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can occur when caregivers don’t get the help they need. It can lead to poor health for both parties.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for your loved one, it might be time to consider assisted living. It is impossible to care for someone else before caring for yourself.
The Next Steps to Finding Assisted Living
Knowing what to look for when you’re ready to visit potential senior living communities is essential. Feeling confident that your loved one will receive the care they need and lead a happy, comfortable life in their new home is crucial.
By asking the right questions, you can ensure you make an informed decision. Arrive on the tour with a notebook of questions. Here are some key areas to explore.
Care Questions
1. Do you provide customized care plans and health monitoring?
Every senior has unique needs. A facility that offers customized care plans ensures that your loved one gets the individual attention they require. Regular health monitoring should also be part of this plan to track any changes in their health status.
2. What kind of training does staff complete?
The quality of care your loved one receives significantly depends on the training and expertise of the team. Ask about their qualifications, ongoing training programs, and the staff-to-resident ratio.
3. Do you have licensed caregivers available?
Licensed caregivers are trained professionals who can provide medical care, such as administering medications or wound care. Knowing that these professionals are on-site can give peace of mind.
4. Can you assist with dining, dressing, and bathing?
These are fundamental daily activities that some seniors may struggle with. Assisted living facilities should offer support in these areas to help residents maintain their dignity and independence.
5. What therapies are available onsite (physical, occupational, speech, etc.)?
On-site therapies can significantly enhance residents’ quality of life, helping them maintain their physical abilities, recover from illnesses or surgeries, and improve communication skills.
Lifestyle Questions
6. What regular activities are available?
Regular activities are essential for keeping residents physically active and socially engaged. Ask to see an activities calendar to understand how the community supports its residents to stay stimulated and entertained.
7. Do you have ample outdoor space?
Access to outdoor spaces has been linked to improved mental well-being. Look for facilities with gardens, walking paths, or patios where residents can enjoy fresh air and nature.
8. What amenities does your community feature?
Amenities like a library, fitness center, hair salon, or movie theater can enrich the living experience. These features show a commitment to providing residents with a comprehensive, enjoyable lifestyle.
9. What floor plans and features do your apartments have?
The layout and features of an apartment can significantly impact a resident’s comfort and ease of living. Ask if you can tour a sample apartment to get a feel for the living space.
10. Can I see a sample dining services menu?
Nutrition is a critical aspect of seniors’ health. Reviewing a sample menu can provide insight into the variety, nutritional balance, and appeal of the meals served.
Remember, the goal is to find a place where your loved one feels at home. Their comfort, well-being, and happiness are paramount. Asking these questions will help you make the best decision for your loved one’s future in assisted living.
Discovering Assisted Living in Denver, CO
Belleview Suites at DTC is an assisted living community in Denver, CO, featuring the Connections memory care program.
Here, seniors thrive, families connect, and peace of mind reigns. Residents are not just occupants of a senior living facility. They are valued members of a vibrant community celebrating each individual’s unique life journey.
Our customized care plans and health monitoring systems reflect our commitment to exceptional care. We understand that each resident has unique needs, and our dedicated team, trained extensively in their respective fields, is ready to meet those needs with compassion and professionalism.
We take pride in having licensed caregivers available around the clock, ensuring our residents receive the highest level of medical care.
At Belleview Suites, we believe in nurturing the body, mind, and spirit. We offer a range of therapies onsite, including physical, occupational, and speech, to help our residents maintain their abilities and improve their quality of life.
Our regular activities are designed to keep residents physically active and socially engaged. From arts and crafts sessions to fitness classes and movie nights, something exciting always happens here.
Our spacious outdoor areas provide ample opportunities for residents to enjoy nature, whether they prefer a leisurely stroll along the walking paths or simply relaxing on the patio. Inside, our community features:
- Library
- Fitness center
- Hair salon
- Media room
- Sunroom
We understand the importance of a comfortable living environment, so we offer a variety of floor plans with features designed to ease daily living. And when it comes to dining, our chefs prepare nutritious, delicious meals that cater to various dietary needs while tantalizing the taste buds.
But don’t just take our word for it.
“Your care staff is the best,” says one of our family members. “Makes our entire family feel like Mom is in the best place we could have imagined for her.”
Making residents and their families feel at home, cared for, and content is the essence of Belleview Suites at DTC. We provide a service and community where every resident feels cherished and supported.
Tour Assisted Living and Memory Care in Denver, Colorado
Put an end to worry and discover how a loved one can experience independence, friendship, and personalized assistance. Contact us to arrange a tour of our comprehensive assisted living community in Denver, CO.