Many adults today face a straightforward yet concrete decision about their future living arrangements. The options are staying in their home or moving to a living facility like Two Hearts Homes for Seniors in Lowell, IN. The decision isn’t that simple, as it may mean giving up their home or inviting a carer into it.
While they consider these options, another important decision looms; when to move out of their home to such living facilities. The decision isn’t much related to age as it is to their health and needs. With millions of adults making the decision early, knowing when to move to an assisted living facility can significantly improve your quality of life.
The truth is there is no right age to move to an assisted living facility like Two Hearts Homes for Seniors in Crown Point, IN. This is because each person and their health needs and situation are different. Some adults move into assisted living facilities earlier, while others don’t decide until later. Current statistics show that approximately 27% of adults between 75 and 84 are in assisted living homes. Further research also shows that over half of the assisted living residents are 85 years or older, while seniors under the age of 65 make up 11% of the total population.
The statistical data above shows that seniors can decide whenever to move out of their homes and into assisted living facilities at any time, depending on their needs. Those unable to make sole decisions can consult with family members to make a joint decision for them.
Signs It May Be Time to Move into an Assisted Living Facility
It’s understandable that many seniors have become too familiar with their homes and this may delay their transition into assisted living facilities. However, younger adults are now transitioning because assisted living offers a different atmosphere where they no longer face the stigma of moving out of their homes.
In addition, most seniors now see first-hand transitioning experiences from friends, thus encouraging them to be in an environment where they can assess social activities and opportunities with like-minded and age-appropriate people.
If you’re waiting to decide the right time to transition, below are some signs to watch out for.
- Recurrent evening aggression or agitations. This is often called sundowning and may become more pronounced or more frequent over time.
- Experiencing difficulty or needing help completing daily life activities like cooking and cleaning
- Fear of home safety and security issues or increased exposure to dangerous home habits like fires in the kitchen, leaving inflammable items close to fabrics and furniture, leaving unsafe appliances on when leaving the house, and more.
- An inability to carry out or main personal hygiene activities like showering, grooming, and laundry
- Increasing struggles with movement, dressing, changing clothes, and other activities
- Increased chances of slip and fall accidents in the home, especially in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens
- Increased interest in social gatherings and assisted living opportunities
- Inability to operate vehicles or move for long distances, thus affecting the ability to access public transportation for doctor’s appointments, medication collections, etc.
- Early signs of memory loss or dementia
It is important to note that seniors may be unable to pick out all these signs indicating a need to transition to an assisted living facility. Friends and family members should keep a close watch for these signs and act accordingly to improve their elderly loved one’s quality of life and wellness.
Advantages of Moving into Assisted Living
Moving into an assisted living facility isn’t a shameful transition. With the stigma dying down, more people can now access the quality of Olympia Hospice care and attention they need by moving into these facilities and forming social bonds with more seniors.
Assisted living facilities offer more advantages than healthcare, attention, and social benefits. It also gives seniors a chance to participate in activities like games, volunteering opportunities, and vacations that they wouldn’t have considered when living alone.
Moving early into assisted living facilities also exposes seniors to a better chance of bonding with others, especially as they have more time to settle into the facility, learn more about other residents and staff, and form bonds that’ll improve their life’s quality.
Considerations Before Moving into Assisted Living Facilities
When it comes to transitioning into an assisted living facility, you and your loved ones are the key deciders. However, some important considerations to keep in mind include the following;
- The type of assisted living facility you’re choosing
- The quality of care offered and the staff-to-resident ratio
- The pet policy offered at the assisted living facility
- The type of living conditions and services rendered
- Access to security and healthcare
- The facility’s programs, features, and amenities
The above considerations can help shape your final selection and improve your elderly loved one’s quality of life.
