When to Move from Independent to Assisted Living: Key Signs
The most recent data from the U.S. CDC shows that in 2023, 24.3% of people 65+ who aren't in institutional settings (e.g., not in nursing homes) reported having fair or poor health. Less than a tenth (9%) also had difficulty with self-care.
All those figures prove that older adults can maintain excellent health and remain independent.
Still, many seniors, including those in independent living communities, may face health challenges over time. Therefore, knowing when to move from independent to assisted living should be a top priority for them and their families.
To that end, the caring team at Carroll Place in Carroll, OH, created this guide discussing:
- Independent living vs. assisted living
- Signs for assisted living move
- Moving to assisted living tips
Let's begin.
Independent Living vs. Assisted Living
The primary difference between independent and assisted living is that the former caters to older adults who can still care for themselves. They can perform all activities of daily living (ADLs) with little to no help from others. They simply want to enjoy:
- Maintenance-free lifestyles
- Access to a community's amenities (like on-site restaurants and clubhouses)
- Be close to and socialize with people their age
Conversely, providing tailored personal care for adults who need help with ADLs is what assisted living specializes in. In these communities, a team of highly trained and experienced personal care staff helps older residents with tasks like:
- Bathing or showering
- Personal hygiene
- Selecting clothes and putting them on
- Managing medications
The personal care staff in assisted living communities are also on-site 24/7, providing round-the-clock help for their older residents.
Signs It's Time to Transition to Assisted Living
While reputable independent living communities provide many on-site amenities and services that offer comfort, convenience, and well-being programs (e.g., social, recreational, and physical activities), they usually don't employ on-site, round-the-clock professional care providers. So, if you have an older loved one residing in an independent living community, it's understandable to feel worried about how they're doing and if they need help.
For those reasons, assessing your loved one's current and future health condition and well-being is crucial when determining if they should move to a high-quality assisted living community. Here are some questions that can help with your evaluation.
Have They Mentioned Difficulty Performing ADLs?
While not all seniors will need help from others to perform ADLs, many have a high likelihood, especially in later years. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that two-thirds of people who reach older years are more likely to need long-term care and support for daily activities like bathing and eating.
So, if your older loved one has mentioned anything about struggling with an ADL, take that as a sign to bring up the topic of transitioning to assisted living.
If they haven't yet, pay attention to their behaviors. Reach out to their community and ask when housekeeping day usually is, and visit a day or two before. Then, look for the following signs:
- A messy or disorganized home
- Unpaid bills
- Poor hygiene
- An empty fridge
If you notice any of the above signs, it may already indicate your older loved one needs an extra helping hand.
Have There Been Changes to Their Health?
As people age, their risk of developing chronic health conditions also increases. Indeed, the National Council on Aging says that around 95% of all Americans aged 65 and over have at least one, and nearly eight in ten have two or more. From high blood pressure to heart problems and diabetes, these are just some of the most common long-term health woes afflicting older adults.
It's certainly possible for seniors with chronic health problems to remain independent. However, if their condition or health worsens, they may find it more challenging to perform daily activities. For example, high blood pressure and heart problems can cause shortness of breath, making basic tasks like walking, tidying up, and cooking more difficult.
So, if your older loved one's health has deteriorated, it's time to talk to them about moving from independent to assisted living.
Tips for Moving to Assisted Living
Once your older loved one has agreed and decided to move from independent to assisted living, the next step is to help them throughout the process. Here are some tips for smoother, more seamless senior care transitions.
Look for a Highly-Rated Assisted Living Community
Talk to trusted family members and friends with older loved ones in assisted living communities. Ask them if they recommend the community and why. You can also seek advice from social workers and your healthcare providers for recommendations.
You can also start your search online. Once you have a list of three to five communities, research them further and look for in-depth positive reviews and testimonials.
Visit the Community
Choosing a new senior living community is like renting a new apartment or buying a new house: you'd want to inspect everything before moving in. So, before selecting an assisted living community, visit it multiple times with your loved one.
Speak with the staff and observe their communication skills and style. Are they attentive, responsive, and respectful?
Observe the community's residents, too: Do they look happy and satisfied? Consider chatting with them, as well. They're excellent sources of information, considering they have real-life experience of living in the community.
Start Downsizing Early
Depending on the size of your loved one's current residence in the independent living community, downsizing may be appropriate. If so, it's best to start planning as early as possible and determining the most crucial things and personal treasures to pack and bring to the new community.
When to Move From Independent to Assisted Living: Know the Signs
Determining when to move from independent to assisted living involves monitoring an older loved one's ability to perform ADLs and their health. If they begin to struggle with daily tasks or their health deteriorates, it's time to discuss the transition.
If you're looking for a reputable, highly rated assisted living community in Carroll, OH, we encourage you to visit us at Carroll Place. Here, we pride ourselves on delivering quality, compassionate care to our older residents. Our kind and experienced care team, available 24/7, provides tailored personal care plans in a loving, home-like environment.
Reach out today to schedule a tour of our lovely, pet-welcoming community!