Some seniors and their families agonize over whether to move out of a beloved home to an assisted living community while others embrace the opportunity to set up a new home, make new friends, and stop bothering with cooking and cleaning. For most the decision to move is based on the realization that Mom or Dad could use a little extra help and would benefit from a wide array of individualized services, including personal care, medication monitoring and healthy meals, as well as new social outlets to combat the isolation they experience living at home alone.  

If you answer “yes” to four or more of the questions on our CHECKLIST, senior living might be the perfect next step for your loved one.

• Is your loved one able to handle house work, yard work and home repairs on his or her own?

• Can your Mom or Dad shower and bathe regularly without help? Are you worried about his or her safety in the tub or shower?
• Are you afraid that your Mom or Dad is at risk of falling? Have they fallen recently? Have you noticed a change in their walking, mobility or balance?
• Has your loved one fallen behind on bills? Is old mail piling up?
• Is your Mom or Dad able to schedule and drive to regular medical appointments? Are you attending physician visits to help answer questions or because they have a hard time remembering doctor recommendations?
• Does your Mom or Dad sometime forget to take their medications?
• Is your loved one still cooking proper nutritious meals? Is he or she maintaining a healthy weight and getting some form of exercise?
• Do you worry about your loved one’s safety when they are alone? Do you worry if you can’t reach them by phone?
• Does your Mom or Dad find it difficult to maintain a social life? Do they make excuses about why they don’t participate with friends or engage in social events or church activities?
• Do you think your loved one feels isolated, lonely or bored? Does he or she seem to be withdrawn, fearful or depressed?
• Has your loved one’s driving ability diminished? Are there issues with low vision, physical limitations or early memory loss which could affect their driving?
• Has your loved one recently been hospitalized? Are you concerned about them continuing their recovery at home alone?

If you have answered yes to some of these questions, assisted living would be a good choice. Assisted living does not mean a loss of independence. Quite the contrary. Our goal is to maximize your loved one’s independence within an environment which provides them with choices, celebrates their individuality, and allows them to thrive. Your loved one will enjoy a safe, comfortable, social lifestyle and you will spend less time worrying and more time enjoying your times together as you visit!