Thinking about Assisted Living but not sure if it’s the right time? Here are some questions that might help you decide:
It’s never easy. Whether for yourself or your loved ones, making the move to an Assisted Living community can feel like a big decision with a lot of different factors to consider. We’ve put together some key questions to help you assess your situation and make an informed choice.
Looking after yourself
- Do you have trouble cooking for yourself?
- Do you find it difficult to do your laundry?
- Is it a struggle to keep up with cleaning around the house?
These are some key signs that it might be time to look into full-time care. Assisted Living facilities that take care of cooking and cleaning can allow seniors to focus on socializing and enjoying their daily activities without the pressure and stress of everyday tasks. Many Assisted Living residents describe feeling an increased ‘freedom’ after joining a community, in direct contrast to what they had thought it would be like, specifically due to the additional support and leisure time they have each day.
- Are you eating properly?
- Do you find it challenging to maintain your hygiene?
- Do you have mobility concerns?
A balanced diet is essential to keeping fit and staying healthy as we get older – but whether its grocery shopping or meal preparation, this can be difficult for seniors living at home. Similarly, bathrooms not designed for seniors can be physically challenging, but letting hygiene standards slip can lead to isolation. Assisted Living communities like The Village are specially designed for seniors, with every aspect of the building, from bathrooms and bedrooms to dining rooms and amenity spaces, all laid out to make life easy for seniors who struggle with these essential daily tasks.
- Have you been in a car accident?
- Do you have outdoor spaces that require regular maintenance?
- Is it a challenge to look after your pet?
A frequent sign that it might be time to think about Assisted Living is having trouble on the roads. Driving is an increasingly high-risk activity for seniors, due to decreased vision, increasing reaction times and reduced physical mobility. Most Assisted Living communities will offer transportation for residents who like to get out and about without risking their safety or the safety of other drivers. A large yard that needs mowing or upkeep can also be an issue for seniors, as can taking care of an energetic pet. If you feel you’re no longer able to give a pet the care he or she deserves, many Assisted Living communities are pet friendly and have fantastic facilities, including dog walking assistance, on-site vet and grooming services and even the opportunity for pets to socialize with each other.
How is your health?
- Do you have a health issue that is getting worse?
- Have you had a fall?
- Do you find yourself forgetting to take medication, or taking medication too frequently?
Many seniors are anxious that their declining health will place a strain on friends and family. If you feel that there is an emotional, physical or logistical toll on your loved ones it might be time to think about professional assistance. Having round-the-clock access to trained nurses and healthcare professionals lets members of our community connect with their friends and family in more meaningful ways and enjoy the time they spend together. If you’ve had a fall, or have trouble remembering to take important medication, these are clear signs that professional care might be right for you.
How is your mental health?
- Are you happy?!
- Do you feel isolated or lonely?
- Do you get lost or confused easily, or frequently lose the thread of a conversation?
Numerous studies have proved the link between good mental health and good physical health. As we get older, maintaining a rich and rewarding lifestyle can be challenging, and often seniors find themselves isolated, either through living in remote locations or through the practical difficulties of social interaction. Joining an Assisted Living community offers the best of both worlds – those who enjoy peace and quiet can retain their independence and those who like to socialise find the support they need to do so. The Village is located in the heart of White River Junction – many of our residents enjoy nearby shops and restaurants, and find local businesses and neighbours engaging and energizing.
Is it time for Assisted Living?
Many families are apprehensive about Assisted Living communities. Seniors sometimes feel that joining a community represents a loss of independence, a capitulation to illness or decline – some even feel that it is tantamount to giving up. In reality, the exact opposite is the case. Many of our residents at The Village never imagined their lives could feel so fulfilling; many assumed that the challenges of living at home would only get more difficult – but all of them have found that community-life lets them focus on the things that make them happy, whether that’s spending quality time with their loved ones, enjoying hobbies and pastimes, or socializing with their peers in comfortable, beautiful surroundings.
If this list of questions has left you with the feeling that it might be time for Assisted Living, why not visit some communities and see what they’re like. Meet some residents and get to know them. On a recent tour of The Village, one resident made the strongest case for the value of Assisted Living:
“The thing about The Village that no one told me – it gives you time you didn’t know you had. I was spending hours each week grocery shopping, cooking, taking the trash out, folding laundry… now I spend that time with friends or reading or doing whatever I want!”
If you would also prefer to have more freedom to do the things you enjoy, then Assisted Living may well be for you!
