For most older adults, when they begin to need help with managing their daily tasks and getting around, their first choice is to rely on friends and family for assistance. As the care demands begin to be more than friends and family can handle, though, other alternatives need to be considered.
Assisted living is a senior living option that best suits the care and living environment needs of seniors in this situation. However, a move to an assisted living community can be an emotional and complex decision.
To help you determine if assisted living is the right choice, here are some critical questions to ask yourself.
Senior living questions to ask yourself about the assisted living decision
Q: Are you struggling with activities of daily living?
Assessing your current level of independence is the first step in deciding if assisted living is right for you. Can you manage personal care such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and essential grooming? If not, an assisted living community may be a great option.
Residents in assisted living communities can receive as much help as needed with personal care while having the independence to spend their days doing whatever they like.
Download our free Family Decision Toolkit!
Q: Is your safety becoming an issue?
Safety should always be a top priority, especially for older adults who live alone. Falls, fires, and crime are the most common at-home safety risks for seniors. If you’ve experienced falls, accidents, burglaries, injuries, or other safety risks in your current living situation, assisted living communities can provide an environment designed with senior safety in mind.
These communities have features like handrails, walk-in showers, emergency call systems, fall prevention, 24-7 gated security, and 24/7 staff availability.
Q: Are you feeling lonely or isolated?
If you’re experiencing feelings of isolation and loneliness, assisted living communities can offer a more socially active environment and opportunities to connect with peers. Assisted living communities like Seasons Senior Living have activity directors who keep residents socially active with the following:
- Transportation to shopping and local areas of interest
- Special guests and events
- Sports bars
- Billiards room
- Salon
- Library
- Cocktail hours
- Continuing education classes
- Volunteering opportunities
Q: What is your financial situation?
Assisted living can be expensive, so it is essential to assess your financial situation. Determine your monthly budget, lifestyle preferences, and the cost of assisted living communities in your desired location. Consider how selling the family home will affect your finances. Consult a financial advisor to discuss options for paying for assisted living.
Q: Do you need help managing daily responsibilities?
Are home repairs, maintenance, housekeeping, laundry, shopping, yard work, and meal preparation becoming more difficult to manage? Assisted living communities relieve you of these responsibilities, allowing you to enjoy fun, active, and carefree days.
Q: Is your health suffering?
Declining health can sometimes be attributed to mobility challenges, for example not being able to shop for and prepare healthy meals, lack of transportation to doctor appointments, or being bedridden due to an injury.
Assisted living communities have physical and occupational therapists, transportation services, staff to help you manage your health and wellness, and of course a dining room serving 3 delicious and healthy meals daily.
Wrap-up
Deciding if moving to an assisted living community is the right lifestyle choice for you involves careful consideration of your health, personal preference, financial situation, and ability to manage personal care.
Knowing your answers to those important questions we shared will allow you to make an informed decision that ensures you make a choice that ensures you receive the care and support you need.
If you’re looking for an assisted living community in Clearwater, Florida, the friendly and professional staff at Seasons Senior Living can help. Contact the caring senior living team to learn more and schedule your tour. Download our free Family Decision Toolkit for helpful tips about choosing the senior living lifestyle.
