Signs it Might be Time for Assisted Living

For many families, the holidays mean spending longer stretches of time with loved ones. When those loved ones are also older adults, the visit may prompt health concerns and questions, such as:

Is it safe for my mother to be driving, especially at night?So many medicine bottles on the counter, what are all those pills for?

My dad got lost driving to the neighborhood grocery store. Is this a sign of dementia?

Is it time to consider Assisted Living?

Assessing the health needs of your loved one probably can’t be done over one visit, but here are red flags to look for and discuss with your loved one, and family and friends that might indicate it’s time to consider Assisted Living (AL).

ConsumerAffairs came up with 17 signs. Here are 8 of them.

1. Recent falls
2. Poor eating habits
3. Poor hygiene
4. Neglected pets
5. Mood changes
6. Getting lost while driving or walking
7. Concerns from friends or neighbors
8. Isolation and/or no regular access to a supportive community

“While deciding to put your loved one into assisted living is a difficult choice to make, know that the sooner you start, the better. Many of the best facilities have waitlists that move slowly. Getting your loved one on the waitlist well before they are ready will ensure they get a prime spot when the time comes,” writes Jessica Render, Consumer Affairs Research Team member.

If your loved one is reluctant to make the move, consider scheduling a time when both of you can meet with the family doctor for an assessment. Or maybe enlist the input from a relative or close friend you both trust.

What to look for in AL communities?

Like one’s home, location is key. If the facility is too far from family and friends (who are likely to also be older adults), visits will be infrequent. While one of the reasons for moving to AL might be to expand one’s social network, we all cherish time with our loved ones so keep that in mind as you consider ALs.

Check the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website, which offers a five-star quality rating for all facilities. You can search by city and then set up tours for ALs that meet your location and rating criteria. (Ask the AL if they provide remote tours for out-of-town families).

Questions to ask admissions staff include:

• What are the staffing ratios?
• What size and type of apartments are available?
• What health and fitness programs and equipment are offered?
• What kind of preventive care is available, such as podiatrist, dentist, etc.
• What is the monthly cost, including additional fees for amenities such as housekeeping, laundry, salon, etc.?
• Is transportation offered for doctor appointments?
• What kind of social activities are offered, especially ones important to your loved one?
• What does a weekly menu look like?
• Are pets allowed to visit?

And as you tour the assisted living community, be aware of unpleasant orders, cleanliness of rest rooms and other public areas, demeanor of residents and friendliness of staff. Bottom line: Does the AL’s staff and residents and its services, décor and atmosphere create a welcoming home?

Consider Assisted Living at Kendal

Kendal at Oberlin is a Continuing Care Retirement Community but the nonprofit also accepts direct admissions to its Assisted Living unit, called the Stephens Care Center. Amenities and services include: private suites; therapy pool and other wellness programs; music and other Creative Arts Therapies; renovated dining room and other updated community spaces; and around-the-clock care.

The center also has a memory care unit, the Jameson Neighborhood. 

For more information or to schedule a tour of the Stephens Care Center contact Kim Prestion, director of Community Outreach at 440-935-0574 or kpreston@kao.kendal.org.