When Is The Right Time For Assisted Living?

The decision to place a loved one in the care of another is undoubtedly one of the most difficult you’ll face.

We’ve put together information and advice to help you navigate the choices you face, equipping your family with the knowledge they need.

For the caregiver:
When considering a move to assisted living, it is important to know and understand your own limitations. One deciding factor in moving a loved one to assisted living is whether or not you are physically capable of taking care of them any longer. If you continue caring for this person are you putting their health at risk? If they fall or need assistance moving, do you have the strength and stability to help? If the answer to these questions and similar scenarios is no, you’ll have to consider getting help. Assisted living facilities are staffed with professionals who are able to monitor a resident and dedicate the necessary physical resources to assist them in any way that is needed.

If you are no longer able to put the time and attention needed to attend to the person’s health needs, it may be time to start looking into assisted living facilities. Although it may feel like you owe it to a loved one to take on the challenge of caring for them, you don’t have to bear this burden alone. Because you have other responsibilities and are probably not a care-professional, you’re not likely to provide the highest quality care possible. In some cases, this can be a major hazard because you aren’t looking for signs and symptoms of health risks associated with aging.

If you have come to the conclusion that you’re unable to handle the extensive work of caring for another person, deciding between in-home care and an assisted living facility is next. This is always a tough decision. Make a cost comparison of how much it is to keep them at home vs. in an assisted living facility. This should give you a pretty clear indication whether both options are on the table or not. If finances allow for both options, you’ll need to consider how much care they need. You may have to hire a full-time caregiver or a caregiver to come to their home once or twice a week. Unfortunately, if the person is showing one or more of the following signs an assisted living facility is the most appropriate option for them if they can’t afford a full-time caregiver.

Signs to Look Out For:

• Any indication they’ve fallen, especially if it was due to a lack of balance.
• Decreased social interaction
  • This can be caused by a slowing or decrease in mental capacity.
  • An unwillingness or inability to meet with friends and acquaintances.
• Changes in appearance. Primarily weight loss which is associated with a decrease in food intake.
• Neglecting small household chores that used to be kept up with, which indicates diminishing mobility.

The aforementioned signs are considered activities of daily living, which are indicative of the quality of life one can hope to achieve in old age. If a loved one is unwilling or unable to perform activities of daily life, it can quickly become a dangerous situation that directly affects their health and wellbeing. If this isn’t convincing enough for you consider the following statistic:

74% of assisted living residents need help with 2 or more of the following ADLs (activities of daily living)

• Meal preparations
• Toileting
• Selecting the proper attire
• Grooming
• Maintaining continence
• Putting clothes on
• Bathing
• Walking or transferring from wheelchair

At Cottage Grove Place, our Assisted Living apartments offer an ideal balance of independence and support for each resident. We know making the decision to move to assisted living is a big step. That’s why we work with each family to make the transition as smooth and seamless as possible. Our experienced caregivers and nurses will make your loved one feel welcome and design a personal care program to meet their needs.

You’ll love the privacy and convenience you’ll find in your loved one’s apartment. Each assisted living apartment includes a spacious living room, comfortable bedroom, a private bath, and a large walk-in closet. You may decorate and furnish the home any way that pleases your loved one. What a wonderful feeling it is to help your loved one sleep comfortably in a bed that is similar to their old one, surrounded by their own furniture, family photos, and personal mementos they’ve had for years.

At Cottage Grove Place, you’ll appreciate all the amenities and services in our assisted living apartments with one price for all services and no add-ons. Included in your assisted living fees are:

• Meals and snacks
• Consultations with a registered dietician
• Medication administration
• Housekeeping
• Personal laundry services, including linens
• Assistance with grooming, dressing, and bathing
• Daily programs and activities for social, intellectual and spiritual enrichment
• 24-hour security
• Comprehensive care management
• Social work services
• Transportation to and from activities, shopping, and appointments
• Local phone, basic cable, and utilities

We know with age comes wisdom. At Cottage Grove Place, we’ll treat you with the respect and dignity you deserve. We welcome you to visit or tour our assisted living apartments today. We look forward to helping you find the assistance you want and need.