When Is the Right Time for Assisted Living?

As an adult who is taking care of an elderly parent, at some point the option of an assisted living facility may become a reality. Everyone needs help sooner or later. It is a tough decision to make and should not be taken lightly. It should also not be a decision that is taken without including your parent(s). Here are some questions to consider when weighing that option. By answering these questions you can hopefully feel more comfortable with any decision that is made.

The most important question to ask yourself; does your elderly parent need more help from you then you are capable to give? This is a tough question that needs to be answered honestly. Sure you love your parents and would do anything for them but if your day has become completely filled with stress and the feeling of being besieged by everything that needs to be done, you need help. This is not only for your benefit but your parent's. By you being completely overwhelmed and at the point of breaking every day, what type of quality of life are you giving yourself but also the parent(s) you are caring for?

Are you concerned for your elderly parent's safety? The older we get the less mobile and resilient our body's become. What a younger person would consider minor falls and bumps can have serious consequences for an elderly person. Possibly even being life threatening. What will happen if your elderly parent is in a position of falling and not being able to get up on their own?

Does your parent seem depressed? This is very common for elderly people. As their ability to be mobile and also take care of themselves declines, they can become isolated. Being alone most of the time can very easily lead to depression.

The reality is no one likes the idea of an assisted living facility and needing elder care help, the child or parent. But assisted facilities offer 24 hour care that you and your family realistically can't give. A quality assisted living facility will develop a plan designed specifically for your parent's needs. If you do not feel that is being done you should investigate another facility. By utilizing an assisted living facility for your elderly parent you are not only ensuring their physical well-being and safety but you also break down their isolation. By utilizing an assisted living facility you are putting them into an environment where they not only interact with staff on a daily basis but also other people their age and most likely sharing a common situation and experiences.