Acknowledging your parent’s need for more specialized forms of care means helping them make an informed decision about a move to assisted living.
Regardless of your parent’s age and physical limitations, it can be difficult to know when it’s time to make this big life change. However, recognizing your parent’s need for assistance is a good first step in the process. A community will provide them with all the care they need, and they’ll be happier and healthier.
Read on to learn about the steps you should follow when considering whether or not it’s time for assisted living.
The Benefits of Assisted Living
Assisted living communities are ideal for your parent’s health. They provide a supportive, social environment, nutritious meals and interesting activities. The services provided by assisted living communities will also ease your worries about your parent’s well-being. Your parent will enjoy all the amenities of an assisted living community, and your family can benefit from the proximity of an aging loved one. You won’t have to worry about their safety when you are not with them.
The first step is to discuss what your parent will get out of assisted living. Positive thinking is key. The first conversation isn’t going to lead to any decisions. Rather, you should emphasize exploring the options available with your parent. Be sure to highlight the benefits of a quality community. This transition can be smoother if you explore your parent’s needs and look into what different communities offer.
Talk about your parent’s current situation, discussing safety and current health. Help them evaluate their conditions by asking a few of the following questions:
- Do you ever get lonely?
- What did you eat yesterday?
- Do you see friends enough?
- Are you tired of housework/cooking?
- Do you remember to take your medications every day?
- When was the last time you bought groceries?
You can also help your parent choose an appropriate community based on the budget and the type of care they require. While assessing your parent’s needs, you should also consider how the move to assisted living can lead to a higher quality of life for you and your parent. You’ll get a break as the family caregiver, and they’ll receive exactly the care they need.
Your Parent’s Specific Needs
Once you and your parent have discussed the benefits of assisted living, it’s time to discuss the specific needs of your parent. Communities offer a spectrum of services that are focused on letting your parent live as independently as possible. This often also includes assistance with medications, grooming and wardrobe planning.
Activities of Daily Living
How would you feel if your parent was able to regain their independence?
As mentioned above, your parent may need assistance with daily tasks, such as getting dressed and toileting. In addition to these, your parent may also need assistance with transportation. In this case, assisted living communities can help them. By keeping them safe, your parent’s quality of life will improve. The best assisted living community will have many amenities and services. A good community will also have the ability to care for your loved one’s physical and mental needs.
Care Options
When evaluating whether your parent needs assisted living, it is important to remember that there are a variety of care options available. At its core, assisted living is about providing your parent with bathing, dressing and medication management assistance. Residents of assisted living communities can take advantage of housekeeping services, a dining program and a sociable environment.
Discuss with your parent the types of care they might need and whether they’re comfortable in a given assisted living setting.
Current Living Conditions
If you’re concerned about the safety of your aging parent, it is important to discuss their current living conditions.
Your parent may need help with daily tasks, such as toileting and washing clothes. If your loved one is unable to do these things on their own, they should consider moving into an assisted living community.
Current Living Costs
Your parent’s needs and preferences will differ, and an assisted living community might be the right option for the older adults in your life. While the cost of assisted living is often higher than in-home care, it can still be a good option. For many, assisted living communities are a great fit for their needs. The communities provide excellent health care and are well-maintained. They will help your parent live independently, without the worry of having to hire a caregiver.
Services and Amenities at Kingswood
At Kingswood, we allow your parent to live to their fullest potential every day. Our services and amenities provide them with a secure network of necessities. This includes an aquatic center with an indoor pool and spa, library, fitness center and our full-service Bristol Dining Room offering flexible meal options throughout the day. Enjoy the bistro and full-service bar, salon services for men and women, or our lovely convenience store, Piccadilly Marketplace.
However your parents like to spend their time, we’ve got something to interest them at Kingswood.
Your parent can also rely on a steady 24-hour security patrol, weekly flat linen service in apartments, twice-monthly housekeeping services and a completely maintenance-free lifestyle. Utilities are included in the monthly rate, as is scheduled transportation to spots around town and a full calendar of activities and entertainment. Your parent can also send letters and packages with our postal services.
Come Find the Senior Living Sweet Spot at Kingswood
From Long-Term Skilled Nursing Care to Short-Term Rehabilitation and Respite Care, Kingswood delivers world-class, around-the-clock care in a homelike setting. Book an appointment or visit us and learn all about what Kingswood has to offer.
