Moving into a retirement community is not something that many individuals look forward to doing. As the National Center for Assisted Living points out, however, there are already just under 29,000 assisted living communities in the United States, providing housing for nearly a million residents. Ensuring an elderly person’s physical and emotional well-being while also keeping them safe is one of the objectives of assisted living. When do you think that your elderly parent requires the care that assisted living can provide?

How to Know When to Move to Assisted Living?

There is no easy way to time the move into a retirement community. There may be a few clear indicators that an elderly person would benefit from assisted living, but every circumstance is different. It is frequently easier for a family caregiver to ask themselves direct questions about their loved one’s daily routine, health, functional abilities, current and future care requirements, and quality of life than to hunt for particular symptoms. Be careful to give thoughtful, in-depth responses to these questions so you can determine whether or not assisted living is a good fit for your loved one’s needs.

Ask These Questions to Look for Signs Indicating the Need for Assisted Living

Is the elderly person maintaining a regular diet of nutritious, well-balanced meals?
Is there healthy, non-perishable food in their fridge and cupboards?
Can the elder get around without assistance? Take note of any inexplicable bumps or scrapes; these could be signs of recent falls or accidents.
Are they wearing clean clothes when you visit them?
Can they take care of their own hygiene needs, such as brushing their teeth and getting a haircut?
Do they have a regular schedule for washing clothes, linens, and towels?
Is their home and yard as well-kept as you remember them being?
Can you verify that the elder is taking their medications as prescribed and at the appropriate times? Excess or expired medication on hand and outdated pill boxes are all red flags indicating improper medication management.
Determine whether or not their existing health conditions are consistently monitored and well controlled. Aging can amplify the effects of several chronic medical disorders, and conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are known to deteriorate over time. Because assisted living does not offer specialized nursing care, older folks should take their current and future health into account while making housing options.
Can you trust them to use power tools and other home machinery properly?
Do they remember to turn off the stove and the oven when they are done using them?
Do they have grab bars and an emergency alarm system installed in their home to make it safer for them to age in place?
Have they thought abo how to get help in case of an emergency?
Is it safe for the elderly person to drive? The number of accidents they have been in recently, as well as any new dings or scratches on their car, are red flags.
Do they have regular contact with friends, relatives, or acquaintances?
Does the elderly person continue to pursue their interests?