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Home » Blog » When Is It Time for Assisted Living?

When Is It Time for Assisted Living?

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The transition from home to a retirement community can be a difficult one for seniors to face. Family members and loved ones may have this conversation several times before seniors choose to take action. Because of this, it is important to pay attention to the smaller signs that it’s time to transition. When you have to answer, “When is it time for assisted living?” our blog will improve confidence in your family’s decision.

Average Age for Assisted Living

While the age of assisted living residents varies, the average age for assisted living is 84 years old. Every journey is different, and there are many variables for assisted living requirements. Some communities offer additional levels of care for seniors, such as independent living or specialized memory care.

Sign #1: Does Your Loved One Find It Difficult to Shower, Bathe and Dress Without Help?

Daily activities like dressing, bathing and using the toilet often become challenging for seniors. Assisted living communities not only assist with medication but also with daily tasks like bathing, benefiting both seniors and their caregivers.

One of the benefits of assisted living is medication management. Medication management is also a significant concern for seniors and their caregivers. Medication errors are a serious risk, with the CDC reporting 350,000 hospitalizations annually due to prescription misuse.

We streamline care by coordinating services from doctors, physical therapists and other health professionals. Our community provides transportation to appointments for residents who wish to see their own care providers.

Sign #2: Are Bills and Mail Piling Up and Not Being Addressed?

This warning sign could be a result of forgetfulness and memory loss, self-neglect or elder financial exploitation. According to this study, seniors with cognitive impairments who require help with daily activities are particularly susceptible to financial abuse.

Seniors often become targets of predatory lending, investment schemes, internet phishing, identity theft and Medicare scams. If you suspect that your loved one is being scammed, you can report it to the Department of Justice.

Investigating the root cause of this issue will help you determine whether it’s a serious concern and whether moving to assisted living will help with these issues.

Sign #3: As a Caregiver, Do You Often Feel Overwhelmed or Burned-Out?

Caregiving for seniors is a labor of love that requires immense dedication, patience and resilience. Whether you are caring for a parent, relative or friend, the role of a caregiver is both rewarding and challenging.

As you provide the necessary support and care for your loved one, it’s equally important to prioritize your own well-being through daily exercise, self-care activities, plenty of rest and scheduled breaks from caregiving.

When caregiving becomes too much for you to handle on your own, it is likely that it is time to start thinking about moving into assisted living.

For Caregivers: When Is It Time for Assisted Living?

Recognizing that it’s time for assisted living can be based on both your health and your capacity to care. Here are some signs that it might be time to consider this option:

  • Physical strain: If caregiving is causing physical health issues such as chronic pain or fatigue, it might be time to seek professional help.
  • Emotional burnout: Feeling constantly overwhelmed, anxious or depressed is a strong indicator that you need support.
  • Inadequate care: If you’re unable to provide the level of care your loved one needs, such as managing medical treatments or daily activities, assisted living might be a better option.
  • Neglecting personal life: When caregiving responsibilities consume all your time and you neglect your own life and relationships, it’s time to evaluate other care options.

Checklist: When Is It Time for Assisted Living?

Determining the right time to move a parent or loved one to assisted living is a personal decision. However, a key indicator is if a caregiver feels overwhelmed often.

Consider the following assisted living checklist to see if it’s time to move:

  • Are you concerned about your loved one’s risk of falling? Have they fallen recently? Is there a noticeable change in their mobility or balance?
  • Are they unable to schedule and attend medical appointments on time?
  • Does your loved one sometimes forget to take their medications?
  • Is your loved one unable to cook nutritious meals? Are they having trouble maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular exercise?
  • Does your loved one seem isolated, lonely or depressed?
  • Has their driving ability suffered due to low vision, physical limitations or early memory loss?
  • Is your loved one struggling with housework, yard work and home repairs?
  • Has your loved one been recently hospitalized, and are you concerned about their ability to recover at home alone?
  • Do you worry about their safety when they are alone?

Many assisted living requirements vary from community to community. Addressing these questions can help determine if it’s time for assisted living, ensuring the safety and well-being of both seniors and their caregivers.

The Benefits of Assisted Living

Valage Senior Living at Carson Valley can significantly lighten the caregiving load by providing a supportive and engaging environment for your loved one. Here are some of the pros of assisted living:

  • Comprehensive care: Valage Senior Living at Carson Valley offers professional care tailored to the needs of each resident, including medical services, assistance with daily activities and specialized memory care.
  • Social engagement: We provide numerous opportunities for social interaction and activities, helping seniors stay active and engaged. Moving to assisted living also helps boost mood and dramatically improve quality of life for seniors.
  • Peace of mind: Knowing that your loved one is in a safe, supportive environment allows you to focus on your well-being without constant worry.
  • Support services: Valage Senior Living at Carson Valley offers support services for families, including counseling, educational resources and respite care.
  • Improved quality of life: Residents often experience an improved quality of life due to the care, social opportunities and structured environment senior communities provide.

The benefits of assisted living are vast, but moving to assisted living can be a difficult decision for families. While the age of assisted living varies, utilize the checklist above and assess the situation for yourself based on your observations and input from your loved one’s doctors. After moving to assisted living, many people say they wish they had done it sooner!

Are you looking for assisted living in Nevada? Valage Senior Living at Carson Valley provides top-notch assisted living and memory care services for seniors of all ages and is an excellent choice for assisted living in Nevada. We are ready to meet you and see how we can help you transition into our community. Contact us for more information and schedule your visit today.