When to Move to Assisted Living: Recognizing the Right Time

As we age, our needs change, sometimes significantly and sometimes very subtly. That’s why it can be hard to recognize the signs that it’s time to consider a new living situation with more help. Health-related issues are the most obvious sign to look out for, but there are also emotional and quality of life considerations.

Some may think moving to assisted living means giving up their independence, but it can actually be the best way to maintain it. These facilities are created to provide a balance between independence and assistance that’s often more liberating than restrictive.

But when is the right time to make this move? It’s rarely a sudden decision. Instead, it often comes after noticing gradual changes in the ability to manage daily tasks, health conditions that require regular medical attention, or perhaps a desire for more social interaction and less household management. In this blog, we’ll share key indicators families should look for that suggest it’s time to consider assisted living. 

Recognizing When It’s Time to Move to Assisted Living: Key Indicators

Deciding when it’s time to move a loved one or yourself into assisted living is a significant decision, and knowing when it’s the right time isn’t always as straightforward as we’d like. However, there are some indicators we can watch out for. 

Physical and Health-Related Signs

Chronic health conditions should be a major consideration in this decision-making process; 80% of older adults have at least one chronic disease and 77% have more than one condition. Over time, these conditions require more medical attention. Plus, the possibility of medical emergencies like falls increases with age. 

An assisted living environment is ideal for managing the health issues arising from these conditions and providing the best possible quality of life. Assisted living staff can ensure medication is taken on time, can help with daily tasks like bathing and dressing, and are immediately available in times of injury or illness. 

Household and Safety Concerns

You may notice several signs around the house that living alone is no longer a healthy option. If the mail has started to pile up, living spaces are becoming cluttered, and the refrigerator is full of expired food, it’s probably time to consider a change in living situation. 

It’s easy for household chores to become a low priority when a senior is dealing with health issues or even just having trouble reading or getting to and from the grocery store. These issues may seem minor at first, but they can lead to compounding issues — forgotten or unread bills may go unpaid, and meals may be skipped, leading to poor nutrition and illness. 

In assisted living, residents don’t have to worry about the worries and stresses of daily life. With help available 24/7 for anything they need, they can focus on enjoying their retirement and living their best lives, providing families with the peace of mind that their loved ones are well-cared for.

Emotional and Behavioral Indicators

The challenges we experience as we age can sometimes become isolating. We may not see friends and family as much as we used to and slowly ease out of gatherings, events, and community activities that were once a part of our daily lives. Social withdrawal can happen for various reasons, and it’s important to recognize and address the signs. 

Other signs of emotional difficulties include mood swings and irritability, prolonged sadness or hopelessness, increased anxiety, and changes in sleep or appetite. It’s difficult for many to talk about emotional distress and ask for help, so observe carefully — the signs a loved one is struggling can be subtle or even purposely concealed. An assisted living environment offers constant opportunities for socializing and recreation. Having daily fun activities and friends to look forward to seeing can make a world of difference.

Knowing When to Move from Independent to Assisted Living

Assisted living facilities know that maintaining as much independence as possible is key to emotional and mental health, so they offer support balanced with independence. Tailored assistance with personalized care plans allows residents to control their daily routines. They are also encouraged to make choices about their activities and level of assistance, with secure environments and emergency response systems available. Meals, housekeeping, and transportation are all taken care of, so residents can use their time to focus on their interests, empowering them to live life on their terms.

Knowing that it’s time to move from fully independent living to assisted living requires observing several factors. For example:

• When a senior can no longer safely perform daily tasks, even with minor assistance.
• Worsening medical conditions or increased difficulty with activities of daily living (ADLs).
• Memory loss or cognitive decline.
• More frequent falls or accidents.

It’s important to remember that age isn’t the sole determining factor for moving to assisted living, though there are some typical age ranges. Most people move into assisted living between their late 70s and early 80s, with the average age of seniors in assisted living at around 84.

The ideal time to move to assisted living should be based on their physical and cognitive needs. It’s a decision that should be made carefully, taking into consideration overall well-being, safety, and quality of life. Early planning and open communication with family members can help make this transition smoother when the time comes.

Harrison Senior Living Is Here to Help

It’s amazing how resourceful our loved ones can be – often finding creative ways to manage daily tasks at home even when things get harder. While we admire their determination to stay independent, sometimes the effort they’re putting in isn’t visible on the surface. As family members, we see their strength but may worry about their wellbeing, especially when they’re alone. In assisted living, your loved one can relax and focus on enjoying life, knowing that friendly, caring support is always there when needed. So many families tell us how their parent or relative has blossomed here, making new friends and rediscovering old hobbies. They often say they wish they’d made our warm, welcoming community their home sooner.

Harrison House Chester County’s independent living apartments are designed for residents seeking independent living in a maintenance-free setting. For over 40 years, Harrison House has developed a reputation as a premium yet affordable option for seniors in an elegant setting, accommodating any lifestyle. The wealth of options available for independent senior living makes it easier than ever to find one that fits your needs and priorities. Chester County also offers personal care at the same facility, so you can stay put at the same location when it’s time to get a little more help.

When you think about making this new stage of life easier, more fun, and more rewarding, John B. Parsons can support your well-being with activities and exercise programs that promote health in a safe setting. As a family-owned business with more than 50 years of trusted, award-winning care providing local seniors with affordable access to quality assisted living since 1972, we’re your premier destination for a thriving community, engaging activities, and fine dining. 

For tips on how to find the best senior living community for your unique situation, read our guide here, and don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about our locations and schedule a visit.