Research from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation shows that as many as 70% of people who live beyond 65 will need some kind of long-term services and support (LTSS) in the future.
The type of care that people require can vary a lot depending on their specific needs. It’s safe to say that the majority of people need more care as they get older.
Many seniors start with independent living and then move to assisted living as they age. However, knowing when to move from independent to assisted living can be tricky.
In this guide, we’ll explore these options so you can determine when it’s suitable to make the transition. Let’s get started.
Independent Living
Independent living is a popular choice for seniors. When it comes to different senior living options, this allows them to retain the most independence.
It’s also sometimes known as “aging in place” as seniors can often remain in their own homes. However, there are also independent living communities that provide similar care but in designated living environments.
These individuals are typically responsible for most of their daily activities, and they can get a bit of help with certain tasks that they struggle with. For those who want minimal assistance and to keep doing things for themselves, this is ideal.
Assisted Living
Assisted living communities are somewhat similar, but they provide more comprehensive care. Seniors can get 24/7 assistance depending on their needs. Caregivers in assisted living communities can provide help with things like:
- Medication management
- Personal care
- Meal preparation
- Personal care (dressing, bathing, etc.)
- Laundry
- Housekeeping
All of this is done to make the daily routines of residents much easier and safer. Those who need additional care may be better suited to assisted living than independent living.
The Benefits of Moving to Assisted Living
There are several reasons for someone to make this senior care transition. It’s important to be aware of the various assisted living benefits that make these communities suitable for seniors. Some of the most notable include:
- Enhanced safety: Assisted living communities implement features to prevent accidents and quickly address emergencies.
- Access to professional care: Carers provide assistance with a range of daily tasks as needed.
- Vibrant social life: Residents can enjoy various activities, classes, and more.
- Nutritious meal options: Most assisted living communities implement carefully crafted meal plants to provide residents with nutritious, balanced diets.
- Maintenance-free living: Residents can go about their days knowing they don’t have to worry about things like house cleaning and laundry.
Some people prefer to handle what they can on their own, hence why independent living is preferable for some. However, for those who want to receive these benefits, moving to assisted living can be a great choice.
When to Move From Independent to Assisted Living
Those who are currently enjoying independent living may be uncertain about changing to assisted living. Here are some key signs to look out for that indicate an individual might need more comprehensive senior support services.
Difficulty Managing Daily Tasks
One of the first signs that you might notice is difficulty with daily tasks. This can include things like:
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Shopping
- Bathing
Various physical limitations or declining health can make these quite overwhelming. You can get help with these in assisted living communities. You’ll then have more time and energy which you can spend doing things you enjoy.
Worsening Medical Conditions
If your health is declining, this is another clear indicator that shifting to assisted living could be beneficial. This is particularly true if you have any medical conditions that require ongoing management. While assisted living communities don’t have doctors, the carers are trained to assist with a wide range of health needs.
Frequent Falls or Accidents
Seniors with mobility issues can become quite prone to falls and accidents. It’s often unsafe for people to live on their own with such a risk, so they may be better off in an assisted living community. They can get 24/7 assistance in an emergency, and there are often additional measures like emergency call buttons and grab bars to keep residents safe.
Isolation and Loneliness
One issue that many seniors face is loneliness. This can have a significant impact on mental health, so remaining social in your later years is vital.
Assisted living communities typically organize a range of social activities for residents. You can interact with others, form new friendships, and even discover new hobbies.
Neglecting Personal Care
When people struggle with day-to-day tasks like dressing and bathing, they may start to do them less. Neglecting even small things can have an impact on your health. Assisted living communities offer the help needed to ensure you can maintain a healthy daily life.
Caregiver Burnout
Many seniors rely on family members when they need just a bit of extra care. However, if the care you need grows, your relatives may struggle to keep up and could burn out.
Caregivers in assisted living communities are trained to provide assistance as it’s needed. They can take care of whatever you need help with effectively and efficiently, relieving your family members from these additional responsibilities.
Mismanagement of Medication
Even with effective elder care planning, managing medication can be tricky, and mismanaging it could be potentially very harmful. Assisted living community staff can help with medication management to make sure you take what you need when you need it.
Nutritional Concerns
Quality nutrition is vital for seniors. Assisted living communities often have specific dining plans that are designed to make sure residents are eating healthily. You also won’t need to worry about preparing meals yourself, making it easier to eat quality foods.
Is Assisted Living Right for You?
Knowing when to move from independent to assisted living can make the transition much easier. It’s important to look out for the signs above so you can determine when it’s the best time for you to make the move.
Veranda Club is a reputable senior living community in Boca Raton, FL. We offer both independent and assisted living, making transitioning from one to the other incredibly easy.
We organize various activities for residents, and our Sensations Dining program will ensure you can enjoy healthy, delicious food every day. Contact us today to schedule a tour.
