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3 Reasons to Move to Assisted Living Before Winter Hits

Winters in the northeast are brutal: It’s cold out. You don’t feel like doing anything. Pipes freeze. Black ice kills.

You might think that putting off the move to assisted living until after winter will give your mom or dad one more holiday season at home. But one more winter at home also means another season of worrying about them slipping on ice, driving to the grocery store in snowy weather, or feeling stuck at home.

It’s not easy to know when to move parents to assisted living, but if you’ve already been talking about it, you might want to encourage them to move before winter hits.

“Moving before wintertime is being proactive,” says Bianca Syriac, Marketing Director of The Ivy at Ellington.

Adds Executive Director Lindsay Redin: “When folks are ‘reactive’ in choosing an assisted living, such as after a fall, they are usually a bit more limited in what they can participate in, and it makes becoming established in the community a bit harder.”

So before your loved one slips and falls on ice, consider these specific advantages assisted living offers during the winter months.

 

Safety

If your parent stays at home this winter, it’s likely that they’ll have to deal with snowy driveways, icy sidewalks, and hazardous road conditions.

“I worked with a family whose father was in his mid-90s and experiencing congestive heart failure,” Syriac says. “He believed he was in tip-top shape and wanted to continue to do all the yard work, to drive, to work in the shop in his garage. A brutal nor’easter came through and left about 5 inches of snow outside. He decided he would shovel the snow off of his roof, so he climbed up the ladder and started shoveling.”

Fortunately, his family came by, helped him safely get down, and took over the shoveling, but they knew it could have been a whole lot worse. From slipping on ice to catching hypothermia while shoveling to skipping doctor appointments or trips to the grocery store, winter hazards abound.

When you help a parent get settled into an assisted living community before winter, you can ensure they won’t have to worry about clearing snow from their driveway, sidewalks, or roofs.

They won’t have to worry about getting to the grocery store or the doctor’s office, either. Assisted living residents enjoy delicious, healthy meals in a beautiful restaurant-style dining room on a daily basis, so they don’t need to rush to the grocery store before the next storm hits. Assisted living communities also provide transportation, so your parent doesn’t need to worry about driving to off-campus appointments.

“Being a part of a community allows for most of the day-to-day tasks to be completed under one roof,” Syriac says.

 

Health & Wellness

Most people who get sick with the flu will have mild symptoms: sore throat, cough, and a runny nose. But seniors are more likely to experience complications that can result in hospitalization— and sometimes death.

In assisted living, staff members ensure residents stay up-to-date on their medicine and vaccinations, which helps keep them in the best health possible. And although moving to assisted living might not prevent your loved one from getting the flu, there are experienced health professionals on hand 24/7 to monitor their health and treat any illness that may flare up.

Another reason to consider moving to assisted living before winter hits is that communities offer fitness and wellness programs to ensure residents stay active despite the short, dark days. Perhaps your dad loves to golf, but once October rolls around, he spends most of his days watching TV. Or maybe your mom loves taking walks outside but the icy sidewalks keep her indoors.

In assisted living, your parent can stay healthy and active all winter long thanks to on-site fitness offerings, including exercise rooms, walking paths, and yoga classes.

 

Engagement

Because it can be difficult and dangerous to get around, many seniors have less contact with others during the winter months, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

“Wintertime makes socialization less convenient and leaves the seniors isolated at home, without easy access to doctor’s appointments, meals, friends, and more,” says Bianca Syriac, Marketing Director of The Ivy at Ellington. “They’re not socializing, so they can become isolated, which can cause them to have depression.”

Assisted living residents gain access to a strong social environment and support network. Residents often gather for conversation and programs in the lively community areas — pubs, living rooms, libraries, beauty salons, private dining rooms, and sunrooms — and enjoy the companionship of neighbors, friends, and family. Social events are encouraged, and community life usually means that seniors are more active than they were living alone. There are opportunities to socialize during activities, small groups like book club, writing class or knitting, or chatting during meals.

Moving to an assisted living community immediately empowers your loved one to stay busy and engaged and helps them fight the boredom and depression that can be a byproduct of winter.

It’s not easy to know when it’s time to make the move to assisted living, but if your loved one is already struggling to keep up with housework and spending day after day at home alone, moving to an assisted living community might keep them safe, healthy, and engaged this winter.

Still not sure if now is the right time? Download our guide to the 7 Warning Signs That It’s Time to Move to Assisted Living.

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Has your dad stopped getting together for lunches or outings with friends or visits with neighbors? Have you stopped enjoying time with your parents because you’re a caregiver?

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No one ever plans to be sick or disabled, and disasters, man-made or natural, can happen at any time, anywhere.

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Moving to assisted living is a life-changing event.

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Assisted living can be a touchy subject. No matter how you approach it, your parent is likely to have objections to something.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-How to Choose the Right Assisted Living Community: What You Need to Know Before You Begin Your SearchHave you decided that assisted living is the best option for your elderly parent, and now are feeling overwhelmed on how to begin your search for the right community?

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Costs and AffordabilityAre you considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one but are hesitant about the cost? Assisted living costs, services and amenities vary greatly among the last and most expensive communities, and costs are higher in some states than others.

This guide will answer questions you may have about the costs of assisted living and recommend resources to help you pay for it.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Having “The Talk” With Your Parent: It’s Time for Assisted Living
Talking to your aging parent about moving to an assisted living community isn’t easy.

Often, many adult children avoid bringing it up because it can be a sensitive topic.

This guide will provide you with helpful tips and insight on how to have a productive conversation with your parent and siblings regarding your parent’s future.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-The Challenges of Aging: How to Handle Your Aging Parent’s Difficult BehaviorsDifficult behaviors in elderly adults are very common. They may be an expression of frustration your loved one feels or a symptom of early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

This guide will provide you with skills and knowledge on how to handle difficult behaviors your aging parent may be experiencing.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Becoming a Family Caregiver: What You Need to Know Before Deciding to Take Care of a Loved One
Becoming a family caregiver can be a rewarding experience. It also has its challenges.

There are many questions to answer before making the decision to take care of a loved one.

This guide will provide answers to questions you may have on this topic.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Helping Your Parent Manage DepressionIs your parent or loved one depressed, or just in a bad mood?

What does medication and illness have to do with depression?

How can you help? In this guide, you will be provided with answers to the difficult questions you may have about depression.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Is It Depression? A Guide to Identifying and Addressing Depression in Aging AdultsHas your aging parent recently lost interest in activities they used to enjoy? Have you noticed a change in their mood and behavior?

This guide will provide you with resources and tools on how to identify depression, what are the common causes of depression, and how to promote mental health in your aging loved one.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Does your loved one need more support than what they are getting? Would they benefit from some assistance with daily activities?

In this guide, you’ll find answers to the most common questions asked about assisted living.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Why We Chose the Arbors Assisted Living and Memory Care: A Collection of Stories from Residents Living at The ArborsWhere do you start searching for assisted living or memory care communities?

What qualities in a community should you look for? How do you know you made the right decision?


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-7 Warning Signs It’s Time to Make the Move to Assisted Living
Has your dad stopped getting together for lunches or outings with friends or visits with neighbors? Have you stopped enjoying time with your parents because you’re a caregiver?

Choosing an assisted living community is a big decision. Learn how to find the right one for you and your loved one.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-Getting Your Affairs in Order
No one ever plans to be sick or disabled, and disasters, man-made or natural, can happen at any time, anywhere.

Yet older adults are among the most vulnerable during a crisis. That’s why it’s critical that seniors, and those who care for them, prepare for emergencies.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-Guide to Making the Move to Assisted Living
Moving to assisted living is a life-changing event.

This guide provides tips and ideas on downsizing, what to pack and how to make the transition smooth for your senior parent.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Solutions to Common Caregiving ChallengesIn this eBook, you’ll learn how to talk with family and friends about caregiving challenges, how to deal with a parent who is resistant to help, how to get more caregiving help from your siblings, and how to keep your job while caregiving.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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How Moving My Loved One to The Arbors Eliminated My Caregiving ChallengesHave you had to cut back your hours at work to care for your mom? Are you worried about administering medications or injections?

Have you stopped getting together with friends, either because you don’t have the time or you’re too exhausted? Are you becoming the invisible second patient?


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-When is the Right Time for Memory Care?In this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the early symptoms of dementia; the seven stages of dementia and the symptoms that typically accompany each one; and the signs it’s time to start exploring your memory care options.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-What to Look for in a Memory Care CommunityIn this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between assisted living and memory care, how healthcare professionals are trained in dementia care, common features of a memory care community, and questions you should ask when exploring your memory care options.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-Brothers and Sisters
Navigating adult sibling relationships can be a challenge, but coming together for the sake of your parent is important.

In this guide, you’ll learn about common sibling conflicts that arise when caring for parents, strategies for getting siblings on board, and where to turn to for help.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-The StandoffAssisted living can be a touchy subject. No matter how you approach it, your parent is likely to have objections to something.

As you help them transition to a new stage of life, it helps to be prepared with answers to their questions and concerns.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-11 Most Common Caregiving Challenges
A Guide to the Most Common Family Caregiver Challenges Associated with Caring for an Aging Parent.

You’ll learn about the true costs of being a family caregiver, common family conflicts that can occur when caring for parents, and some of the unexpected challenges of caregiving.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Checklist_ Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Community
This checklist will help to make sure you are getting the most out of your visit to The Arbors.

The list details what important questions to ask during your visit so you are able to make an enlightened choice and find the best assisted living community for your needs.

NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-What is Assisted Living Really LikeIf you’re unsure what Assisted Living looks like in real life, whether there is a difference with nursing homes or a desire to see how community life unfolds, then this guide is exactly what you need.

A guide to discover the Care Team and a Typical Day in Assisted Living.

NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Cost Comparison guide

You’re probably wondering how much the different senior living options compare to your current situation.
If you do, then this guide is exactly what you need.


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