One of the most challenging decisions caregivers must face is determining whether it’s time for our elderly loved ones to move into senior home care. The decision to transition a parent from the familiar comforts of independent living at home to an assisted living facility can be overwhelming and emotionally charged. This guide will help caregivers explore the signs indicating it might be time to consider moving your parent or loved one to an assisted living community.
Assisted living vs independent living
Assisted living facilities are live-in communities for seniors, available in varying levels of care. Most assisted living centers provide residents personalized care, medication management, and meals. Some communities – like nursing homes – may also offer hygiene maintenance, nursing assistance, and more. Learn more about home care versus assisted living here.
Independent living refers to seniors living an autonomous lifestyle in their own homes or a 55+ community. An independent living facility is an option for those seniors who want the benefits of independent living but the social aspects of a senior community.
Caregivers should weigh the pros and cons of assisted living versus senior home care to determine the best choice for their parent’s situation.
Signs it’s time to consider assisted living
1. Changes in physical health
Any changes in mobility, function, or chronic health conditions can indicate the need for an assisted living facility. Specifically, recent falls, unmanageable chronic pain, and reliance on numerous medications could be signs it’s time to evaluate the need for a home health aide or an assisted living facility.
When in doubt, seek advice from a physician. Your parent’s doctor can provide valuable insights into whether a move to an assisted living facility is recommended for their health and safety.
2. Changes in personality or mental health
Shifts in personality or memory can be indicative of cognitive decline or mental health challenges. Signs of confusion or forgetfulness warrant exploring options for assisted living with specialized care around the clock. Chat with a physician to better understand your options.
3. Need for assistance with daily activities
Struggling with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, or grooming may signal a need for added assistance. Many home health care nurses can help with hygiene activities from the comfort of your parent’s home. That means with a few home modifications and hired help, your loved one may still be able to live independently. However, when coupled with other signs on this list, it may indicate it’s tie to transition to an assisted living facility.
4. Struggling to cook or forgetting to eat
Proper nutrition is vital for senior wellness, but meal planning and cooking can be burdensome for many seniors. One of the benefits of assisted living centers is that they offer three square meals a day, planned by senior nutritionists. If your loved one is forgetting to eat, skipping meals, or no longer cooking for themselves, an assisted living facility might be preferable to independent living.
In many cases, at-home independent living is still possible if your loved one isn’t forgetting or neglecting to eat – they just don’t feel like cooking, meal planning, or grocery shopping. Hundreds of thousands of seniors use GoGoGrandparent to make food prep easier for seniors living at home.
- GoGoGrocery allows seniors to have their groceries delivered right to their door so they don’t have to battle traffic, crowds, and checkout lines.
- GoGoGourmet lets your parent order their favorite meals from local restaurants, but our GoGoGuardians communicate with the restaurant to ensure the food meets your parent’s dietary needs and restrictions. This is a convenient way to have fresh, hot, nutritious meals delivered right to their doorstep.
5. Neglecting chores and home maintenance
Noticeable changes in your parent’s ability to maintain their living space may indicate that a senior living community with built-in support services is the next step.
Use your judgment to determine if these concerns warrant a complete lifestyle change or if they can still live at home with the help of home maintenance services. For example, GoGo’s Home Services help hundreds of thousands of seniors keep up with home maintenance – without having to do it themselves.
For example, you could hire a weekly house cleaner or landscaper for a parent suffering from arthritis. Or you can find a daily dog walker to ensure their beloved pet gets exercise while your parent recovers from surgery.
Our GoGoGuardians work diligently to screen home service providers, so you have peace of mind that the professionals coming into your parent’s home are safe, reliable, and trustworthy. Learn more about GoGo’s Home Services here.
6. Desire for a carefree lifestyle
Independent living communities allow seniors to enjoy their golden years without the hassle of home upkeep. If your parent can still handle their own health and wellness but wants a more hands-off and carefree lifestyle, an independent living community with other seniors might be an excellent option.
This convenience is why so many seniors use GoGoRides. GoGoRides offers convenient, reliable transportation without the headache of driving and maintaining a car.
7. Requiring more social opportunities
Social isolation can negatively impact mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. If your loved one is experiencing loneliness, boredom, depression, or other mental health concerns, they may need to get more involved in their local community. A senior living community can offer a vibrant social environment that fosters new connections and friendships, especially if your parent isn’t proactive about building their social circles.
8. Caregiver’s need for assistance
Caregivers play a crucial role in supporting their loved ones, but these demands can affect their own well-being. If you’re finding it hard to maintain the caregiving responsibilities, transitioning your parent into a senior living community may help alleviate some of the overwhelm. Have an open discussion with your parent to determine what’s right for your situation.
Also, consider your and your parent’s financial standing. Learn more about the average cost of home care versus assisted living care here.
Use GoGoGrandparent for independent living
Transitioning to assisted living isn’t right for every situation. If your loved one wants to live at home, GoGoGrandparent is an excellent extension of your care team for senior home care. Thanks to our services like transportation, grocery and meal delivery, prescription delivery, and home maintenance assistance, thousands of individuals have been able to maintain their independence while living at home.
The GoGo platform also supports caregivers, including remote caregivers. The Family Features dashboard offers peace of mind, letting you monitor your parents’ requests, pay for services, see real-time updates, and more. Click here to find out how thousands of caregivers use GoGoGrandparent as an extension of their care team.
Independent living or assisted living facilities?
Deciding whether it’s time for a loved one to move into a senior community is a delicate process that requires careful consideration of their physical health, mental wellness, lifestyle preferences, financial situation, and more. Assessing your parent’s unique needs and preferences is vital to making an informed decision that prioritizes their comfort, safety, and happiness.
If you think independent living is right for your situation, consider using GoGoGrandparent to support your family. From transportation to delivery options to home maintenance, GoGo offers reliable solutions to the daily needs of seniors across the country. Register now to get started.
