What is Assisted Living and How to Know When It’s Time to Move?
Assisted living communities are a hallmark of care for the millions of older adults who require extra support in their later years. Staffed with full-time professional staff and covering a wide array of personal care, assisted living and memory care communities enhance the quality of life for many in the Burleson, Texas region.
However, making the decision to move to an assisted living community comes with a variety of complex realities: what will the community be like? What will I need to do to make the move? How do I know if an assisted living community is right for me or my loved ones?
At Heritage Place Assisted Living & Memory Care, we know that you may have questions about assisted living, which is why we’ve created this guide to knowing if this type of community is right for you – and when may be the best time to consider assisted living as the next step.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is just that, a living situation for older adults who require extra assistance with everyday tasks. The range of support offered by assisted living can vary, and the amount often depends on the physical and mental needs of the resident.
Some assisted living communities operate in a more independent-friendly manner. They offer specific help for specific needs when and if the resident requires assistance. Others may offer more consistent, integrated care. Memory care communities often offer 24/7 care for those struggling with memory loss or dementia.
Regardless of the level of assistance, most assisted living communities offer similar amenities:
- Private or semi-private living spaces: Residents have their own apartments or rooms, with accessible floor plans designed with safety features such as grab bars, accessible kitchens, and emergency call systems.
- Personalized care plans: Each individual living in an assisted living community will have their own personalized care plan, which ensures that they receive the right amount of support for their stage of life.
- Social and recreational activities: Many communities offer a range of social programs and events focused on getting residents active and engaged with others living with them.
- Dining services and nutritional support: Dining and nutrition are second to none in assisted living communities, with full meal support as well as dietary and nutrition guidance.
- 24/7 professional support staff: Assisted living communities are staffed by knowledgeable and compassionate care teams who get to know residents by name – and help them throughout their days to ensure dignity, respect, and safety.
Assisted living communities seek to find a balance between independence and support and are designed to help residents feel equipped to live enriching lives without worry of home upkeep or isolation.
How Do You Know It’s Time For Assisted Living?
It’s not always clear when someone may benefit from an assisted living community. While some may enjoy the maintenance-free lifestyle while living relatively independently, others may require the extra support day-to-day that assisted living offers.
Here are a few signs you may want to begin thinking about a move to an assisted living community:
1. You or a Loved One Experience Declining Physical Health
A common reason why many consider assisted living is a decline in their overall physical health.
Those who are experiencing chronic illness or a deterioration in their ability to handle day-to-day activities may find professional care and monitoring beneficial. This can include mobility, medication management, and even health and wellness check-ins.
2. You’re Having Difficulty with Daily Activities
The daily activities we often take for granted get more difficult as we age. Cooking, cleaning, bathing, and even dressing oneself can become challenging as we lose physical and cognitive strength. Assisted living empowers individuals to live out their days with respect and dignity while offering customized help with daily tasks.
3. You Have Safety Concerns
As we age, our physical and mental health can put us at risk of injury.
Falls, difficulty navigating stairs, and forgetting to turn off appliances can put you and others in danger. Assisted living communities are built to offer around-the-clock safety and support to ensure that no resident risks injury.
4. You or a Loved One is Experiencing Isolation, Anxiety, or Depression
Another key reason to consider a move to an assisted living community is isolation. Living alone can quickly lead to increased instances of isolation – particularly when one’s health keeps them indoors for long periods of time.
When friends and family can’t come by to help out, individuals may feel isolated and unable to receive the companionship they need and deserve. This can quickly lead to anxiety and depression in older adults – a top concern for many.
5. You Are A Caregiver Experiencing Burnout
When our loved ones age, we often take the role of primary caregiver out of love and duty. But what happens when the caregiver isn’t equipped to help those they love?
A growing concern among mental health professionals is the rising number of family or friend caregivers who report feeling burnout from providing assistance to those they love. However, guilt and shame keep them from receiving the care they need.
Assisted living can create a bridge between the caregiver and those in need of assistance – a system where everyone feels equipped to offer the best of themselves to one another.
Ready To Experience The Possibilities of Assisted Living? Heritage Place Is Here To Help
When it’s time to have the conversation about assisted living, know that you aren’t alone. Having the right partner in your corner can help make the transition from independent living to assisted living smooth, and our team at Heritage Place Assisted Living & Memory Care is here to help.
Schedule a tour today to visit our amazing assisted living community here in Burleson, Texas. See for yourself how the care and compassion of a skilled team of assisted living professionals can help you or a loved one enjoy your later years with dignity.
Have questions or want to learn more? Visit us today!