Aging is more art than science. As we age, each person experiences a unique aging process and may be faced with different health issues. It can be difficult to navigate health care decisions later in your life. It may be difficult to determine when it is time to transition from independent living to assisted living.
Independent Living vs. Independent Living vs. Assisted Living
Independent living facilities are for seniors who are still able to care for themselves. These communities offer “planned social activities, exercise options, group travel options,” as well as other activities that promote “mental and physical engagement to improve general wellness and quality life as people age.”
“Assisted living facilities” are, in contrast, designed to ease the burden of daily tasks for people with different health or life circumstances.
Assisted living communities are for seniors who are not sufficiently sick to be admitted to a hospital or nursing home, but have chronic medical conditions that require monitoring.
Many residents require assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing and housekeeping. Residents are usually served meals in communal dining rooms where they can socialize and interact.
A shared or private room may be available to residents of assisted living facilities. The location and type of resident served by the facility will determine the amenities and services available.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were at least 28900 residential care communities and assisted living facilities in operation in the United States. There are many types of assisted living facilities that can be found in the United States. They offer a variety of services to assist older adults with daily tasks.
Costs for Senior Living
The price of assisted living can also vary greatly. The median annual cost of an assisted living community was $54,000. Skilled nursing in a private area will cost you an average of $934 per month. This adds up to more that $108,400 annually.
A few facilities charge a flat-sum fee for a specific menu of amenities and services. Some facilities use an a-la-carte pricing, wherein the residents are able to choose the services and amenities that they wish to use. It’s important to take into account many factors when choosing the right assisted living facility.
Before you can even begin to determine which community is the best for you, you need to decide when and if you want to make the move to an assisted living facility.
When is it time to move to assisted living?
It is difficult to determine when it is time to transition from independent living to assisted living. In some cases, friends, caregivers, or family members might be the ones to notice signs that independent living is not the best option.
Although it may be the best option for all, some people are hesitant about moving into an assisted living community. It’s complex and many people will need to take some time to get used to it.
There are several indicators that it is time to transition from independent living to assisted living.
An increase in falls, a worsening medical condition and an overall increase in frailty.
Difficulty in managing your domestic finances, or any other money issues.
A decline in one’s ability to take care of oneself and difficulty cleaning the house.
Depression and social isolation
Is assisted living appropriate for you? A senior who has recently lost their spouse and is responsible for cooking, shopping, and housekeeping is one example. After the death of a partner, a spouse who survived may have difficulty cooking or cleaning properly.
A senior may also have multiple medical issues. The discussion about when to move into assisted living is often accelerated by progressive or neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s. Seniors often require more assistance as their chronic conditions worsen.
Another common scenario is when a senior starts to show signs of memory loss. This could be an indication of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other forms of dementia. Caregivers burnout is a common problem for those caring for people with cognitive impairment.
Using assisted living facilities to help you may be able to provide respite and allow your spouse or primary caregiver to enjoy a better quality life.
Transition to assisted living
It can be difficult to move into an assisted living facility. This is especially true for older adults who have cognitive impairments such as those with Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia, and other chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s and diabetes. It can be overwhelming to change routines or even uproot an entire life, at times.
Sometimes, the death of a spouse can lead to the need for an assisted living community. This can be difficult because of the grief that may accompany the move to an assisted living community.
Guilt from caregivers is another issue that can arise when they realize they are unable to handle the responsibility of caring for an elderly loved one. Guilt can be magnified if assisted living is chosen in an emergency or rush situation.
A panic situation can result from making important decisions under pressure and with high emotions. This can prevent families from making informed decisions and thoroughly researching the community.
Consult your loved ones
These situations are terrible, but they are all too common. You can alleviate many of these difficult feelings and situations by having a conversation early on and regularly discussing what is in store for your loved ones as they age. It can be hard to start a conversation. However, it is possible to approach it piece by piece and have several conversations over the course of several weeks or months.
Talking with an expert can be helpful for some families. It can be helpful to talk with an attorney, a financial advisor, or a counselor who has worked with families in these difficult situations. These professionals can offer insight, suggestions and even a benchmark for other families who have dealt with similar situations.
It is important to visit each place you are considering. You should experience the lifestyle and meet the people living there. It should feel welcoming and comfortable.
Do your Homework
Before you start the conversation, make sure to write down all your concerns and points that you wish to convey to your loved ones. You can research the options available and determine what would be a good fit. This will allow you to have some ideas in the back of your mind as the conversation progresses. Next, get started talking.
Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now if you’re looking for the best community for your elderly loved one.
Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/