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When is the Right Time for Assisted Living?

When it first becomes apparent that an aging parent or loved one could use a little extra help at home, many families try to provide the assistance and care themselves. However, there often comes a time when these family caregivers realize they need more than just a few hours a week of assistance.

Sometimes this can happen as a result of your loved one’s declining health, added family and career stress, or a fall or a fender bender that made you realize that their current living situation is no longer safe for them.

But deciding to search for assisted living is an emotional one — which is why so many families put off a move.

“Oftentimes, families will say, ‘We’ll get through winter,’” says Jonathan Athanas, Executive Director of The Arbors at Dracut. “They find a reason to push things off. The reality is, people can enjoy the benefits of assisted living, but the longer you put off the move, the smaller and smaller that window of enjoyment gets. You don’t want to find yourself in a position where Mom slips at Christmas, breaks a hip, and then assisted living is no longer an option. Then they have to go straight to skilled nursing.”

So when is the right time for assisted living? Here’s a look at how these families knew it was time for assisted living.

 

Mom Was Isolated at Home

Many seniors who live alone struggle with feelings of loneliness, isolation, and a lack of regular companionship. One study found 43 percent of surveyed older adults felt lonely, and another revealed that 60 percent reported feeling a lack of companionship and 41 percent reported feeling isolated.

According to researchers, loneliness is lethal. Research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even death.

So when Tony’s mom, Rosemarie, was preparing to retire from her 35-year career as the front-end sales clerk at DeScenza Diamonds in Boston, he got worried.

“Mom was facing yet another winter in the condo,” Tony says. “Realizing she might be stopping work or cutting back on work, which was a huge social activity for her, we thought it might be time to consider moving into a different living environment.”

Rosemarie settled into The Arbors at Stoneham, and she’s been making friends ever since. “She plays cards and Scrabble on a regular basis, and she has a table of friends she sits with,” Tony says. “From our view, this is the ideal time for her to be there. Without the burden of having to think about paying bills, maintaining the condo, spending time alone in the condo … with all this place has to offer, she’s now able to enjoy the active part of her life with much less burden and responsibility.”

Sisters Paula and Carol were also concerned about their mom, Nancy, living at home alone. “When she was home, she was blue,” Carol says. “She wanted more attention, more social interaction. We were there, but it wasn’t enough.”

Since Nancy moved into The Arbors at Chicopee, she’s come out of her cocoon. “She’s having a second adulthood,” Carol says. “She’s much happier. She’s more social. She has a gaggle of women who she talks about. It’s like she’s in high school. It’s a reversal. Rather than a depressing end of life, she’s having a good time. It really made a change. It made things better.”

 

Mom Wasn’t Eating Well at Home

Many seniors struggle with malnutrition. Of the millions of older adults admitted to the hospital every year, at least 1 in 3 is malnourished upon admission.

Sometimes health problems or medications lead to decreased appetite or trouble eating. Other times grocery shopping and cooking a meal for one doesn’t sound that appetizing, so instead of making a balanced meal, seniors swap protein for pie.

Regardless of the reason, malnutrition can lead to serious health concerns, including a weakened immune system, poor wound healing, and muscle weakness and decreased bone mass, which can lead to falls and fractures.

When Bob noticed that his mom, Winifred, wasn’t eating as well as she used to, he reached out to his three older sisters. “Her eating habits weren’t great. She wasn’t socializing as much. She was in need of care and attention,” Bob says.

Poor eating habits was one of the first things Lynn noticed about her mom, Janet, too. At the beginning of the summer, Lynn and her husband went on vacation. “I dropped off food for her before we left,” she says. “On the way home, we stopped by her house, and all the food I had left was rotting in her fridge.”

Then in July, Janet was rushed to the ER, where she was treated for dehydration and an untreated urinary tract infection. That’s when she knew it was time for assisted living.

Assisted living communities often help seniors eat better. Dining programs are overseen by a registered dietitian to ensure that the menu is nutritionally balanced, and top chefs are hired to create a dining experience that caters to each resident. Additionally, there is a strong sense of community in the dining room to help residents feel connected and welcomed.

Ever since Winifred moved into The Arbors at Dracut, she’s been eating like a queen. “It was a great fit,” Bob says. “The socialization, the care and attention to her medication needs, the better healthy eating — it all is a win.”

 

Mom Fell — Again

More than 1 in 4 older people fall each year, and 3 million of them are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.

But falling doesn’t just cause injuries. It can also make a person become afraid of falling, which can cause them to cut down on their everyday activities. And when a senior is less active, they become weaker — and this increases their chances of falling. Falling once actually doubles your chances of falling again.

So when Marcia’s mom, Betty, left the burner on in the kitchen — again — and she fell — again, she knew it was time for assisted living. “The EMTs had been to my parent’s house probably 25 times last year,” she says. “Every time the phone rang, I feared something bad had happened.”

That’s when Marcia knew it was time for assisted living. And ever since Betty moved into The Arbors at Chicopee, Marcia and her siblings have been at peace. “It makes our life wonderful knowing that she’s well cared for,” Marcia says.

 

Mom Had Difficulty Managing Her Finances and Medications

Research shows as seniors age and memory starts to slip, managing finances and medications are typically one of the first set of skills to decline with age — and it’s hard to live independently if you have difficulty managing your medications or finances.

Lynn first noticed her mom was having difficulty with the bills. But she didn’t realize how bad it was until went through her mom’s medicine cabinet. “All the vitamins she told her doctor she took every day had expired years before,” Lynn says.

Tina also struggled to make sure her sister-in-law was taking her medications as prescribed. “It became increasingly obvious to us that, even though we were only five minutes away, the majority of the time she was isolating herself, not eating properly, not taking care of herself.”

Activities of daily living (ADLs) are the skills needed to live independently: dressing, shopping, cooking, doing laundry, managing medications. In assisted living communities, seniors receive personal care and assistance with these types of activities so that they’re able to live as independently as possible.

“For my husband and me, I think it’s peace of mind that we’re sharing the responsibility for her care with someone else, The Arbors at Westfield in this case,” Tina says.

Whether your loved one is having increasing difficulties with activities of daily living or you’re feeling burned out by caregiving, assisted living offers a higher level of personal care support as well as the added opportunities for socialization, dining, and activities. Additionally, it means that there is a plan of care in place, which eases pressure on you and your family.

If you’re wondering if it might be time to start exploring your assisted living options, download our eBook 7 Warning Signs It’s Time to Make the Move to Assisted Living.

 

 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.

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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.

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You’re probably wondering how much the different senior living options compare to your current situation.
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