Did you know that, at last count, there were nearly 29,000 assisted living facilities in the United States? Collectively, these facilities accommodate more than 996,000 licensed beds. This means there are plenty of options for older adults who can no longer live on their own, but do not yet need a nursing home. Even so, convincing an older loved one it is time to make the move may be easier said than done. Here, let us discuss three signs that time is at hand.
1. Your loved one needs more help doing certain things than he or she did before. One of the most obvious signs that it may be time for an older loved one to transition into assisted living can be if he or she is having difficulty doing certain things. Consider helping an older adult make this transition if he or she needs a lot of help with:
- Shopping (for groceries and other necessities)
- Household chores
- Making meals
- Personal hygiene
- Managing finances
2. There are significant behavioral changes that put the older adult at risk. A noticeable change in behavior can be another indication that it may be time for an older adult to move into an assisted living facility. This may be especially true if the new behavior potentially or actually puts the senior or caregiver at risk. These changes may occur gradually or suddenly, or as the result of certain medical conditions or because of a general cognitive decline as someone ages. Examples may include, but are not limited to, increased aggressiveness, forgetfulness, or the tendency to wander.
3. You can no longer cope physically, emotionally, or financially. If you are an adult child and/or family caregiver, you clearly have a vested interest in helping your loved one maintain their independence as long as possible. Even so, there may come a time when you can no longer cope. You may have difficulty coping financially, emotionally, or physically. If looking after an older adult becomes too much, it may be time to think about having him or her move into an assisted living facility.
This all being stated, no two sets of circumstances are exactly the same. The decision to move into an assisted living facility may be difficult, or an older adult may embrace the opportunity. In any case, it can be important to consult an experienced elder law attorney. He or she can help the senior and his or her family understand and plan for this transition. As always, you can turn to us with any questions or concerns. Just call our law office to arrange an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you.