Assisted Living: Is It Time

Even for those who remain active, mobile, and engaged, there may come a time when living at home isn't a suitable option.

Illness, disability or changes in life circumstances may dictate the need to consider combining households, moving to a senior apartment or community, entering a nursing home, finding an assisted living arrangement or choosing some variation on these and the other multiplying choices available today.

Whether you're making the choice for yourself or for a loved one, planning ahead and researching the options can make it possible to select the least restrictive environment and maintain some real independence.

The first step is making a thorough assessment of the individual's health status, mobility and physical and mental impairments. Then, consider the financial resources that are available.

Before ruling out remaining in one's home, consider whether options like adult day care, respite care, visiting nurses or live-in help, even on a part-time basis, other services could adequately fill the need.

If not, it's time to contemplate life in a new setting. Although the names for care facilities may be different depending on where you live, the fundamental distinction is how much medical and skilled nursing care is provided. Assisted living facilities allow older Americans, who are unable to manage daily life activities, to live independently for as long as possible. They offer assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, laundry, housekeeping and assistance with medications. 

Nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities and specialty facilities for patients suffering from Alzheimer's and certain other diseases generally provide the most care. They also are most likely to be eligible for reimbursement by Medicaid or other public programs.

The number of living options available to seniors is growing as rapidly as the population group. Be sure to check with experts in your area about what's new and available.

When Is It Time to Talk About Assisted Living?

• Does your parent have difficulty moving around the house? (Y,N)

• Does your parent have trouble with hearing or vision? (Y,N)

• Does your parent have health-related problems limiting their ability to take care of everyday activities, such as eating, cleaning, personal hygiene or shopping? (Y,N)

• Does your parent show signs of forgetfulness or confusion? (Y,N)

• Have you noticed a drop in social activity, like meeting with friends? (Y,N)

• Does your parent appear bored, lonely or depressed? (Y,N)

• Does your parent exhibit feelings of frustration or worthlessness from inactivity? (Y,N)

If you answered "yes" to at least three of the questions above, the next step is to create an assessment of your parent's mental, physical, environmental and financial condition to see if it is safe to continue living independently. Be sure to discuss options with your parent and enlist them in decision-making.

When conducting an assessment, consider:

1. State of physical health.

2. State of mental health.

3. Medication usage.

4. How are your parent's daily living skills?

5. How are your parent's finances and ability to handle them?

6. Does your parent live in a home and community that are safe?

7. Do your parent have a solid support network?

8. Does your parent still maintain their appearance and hygiene?

9. Does your parent still pursue hobbies and interests?

Once you've completed the assessment, discuss solutions with your parents. Solving some of these issues can help your parent live independently longer in their own home.

Assisted Living: Rating Safety

• What's the ratio of staff members to clients?

• Is staffing OK at night, on weekends and over holidays?

• How close is the nearest hospital?

• What kind of evacuation plan and emergency response system does the facility have?

• Are corridors well lighted, doors equipped with alarms, exits clearly marked etc.?