When is the right time to consider assisted living

As we get older, we tend to slow down – our day to day movements become laboured, our energy dips, our muscles tighten and we cut back on our general day-to-day experiences and activities. It is by no means an indication of weakness, but rather a tell-tale sign that we are moving on in life and our experienced bodies and minds are ready to start taking things easy.

While many families work very hard to care for their ageing loved ones within the comfort of their own homes, it’s often a patchwork of care from different family members or outside caregivers which can become unsustainable due to safety concerns or the family’s ability to provide constant care. Eventually, there comes a time when the assistance and care at home is no longer sufficient and the decision needs to be made about moving your loved one to an assisted care facility.

The decision to move a loved one into an assisted living facility is not an easy one to make and can be very personal as there is no specific age or moment that indicates the “right time”.

Here are some things to consider:

THE RIGHT MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

The reality is that “at home” care is not around-the-clock care. As a family member of an ageing parent or relative, the responsibility to offer constant care is a huge one. Whether they are living on their own and require daily visits or if they are cohabiting within your home; as they age they require more constant, dedicated care and in some cases, expert medical assistance is necessary.

 If your loved one has recently had a stroke, heart attack, operation or another medical event then they will more than likely need help with basic daily functions like using the bathroom, cleaning and dressing themselves. Taking medication on a daily basis also requires continuous reminders and, in some cases, physical assistance from others.

As you deal with your own daily responsibilities: a full-time job, children of your own, hobbies, socialising and other family duties and roles… the pressure of being responsible for an ageing loved one can add unnecessary pressure as you become anxious about their health and safety when you are not always around and readily available for them. “What if they’ve fallen while I’m out at the shops”, or “I hope they’ve remembered to turn off the gas”, or “I haven’t checked in with them today yet, I hope they’re not feeling all alone.”

THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT

Slips and falls can be traumatising for an elderly person. Not only can it cause immediate disorientation and injuries, but the recovery process can be long and painful, hampering day to day living.

Older people fall for a number of reasons: muscle weakness, spatial issues, poor balance and even poor eyesight. Now add home décor items like carpets, side tables and stairs to the list of tripping hazards, as well and children's toys... and the home environment now becomes an accident waiting to happen. Care facilities are designed with this in mind – simple yet sophisticated living areas that reduce any risks for injury with less clutter, more space and safety features, but which also provide immediate help in the event that an accident does occur.

THE RIGHT STATE OF MIND

The early signs of cognitive decline include forgetfulness and memory loss. At first, these may not pose a major problem but as the signs progress and if your loved one is developing Alzheimer's or dementia they will be growing more and more forgetful, anxious and uncertain of their surroundings. As such, they could potentially start putting their own health and safety at risk.

Daily tasks such as taking out the rubbish, washing the dishes, watering the plants, locking the house at night and even getting dressed each morning are all normal tasks required of people living on their own. If these tasks are often forgotten and your loved one is having trouble keeping up with their normal responsibilities, more support may be necessary. 

Furthermore, isolation can become a real concern for an older person living on their own as it leads to depression and other concerns such as social segregation. Assisted living can help with companionship and company as they are able to meet and make new friends and safely take part in group activities; and retaining as much of their normal life as possible.

The decision to move a loved one into an assisted living facility is not an easy one to make and can be very personal as there is no specific age or moment that indicates the “right time”. When you are ready, we at Le Domaine are ready to walk this journey with you - offering you peace of mind that our world-class facilities, experienced caregivers and state of the art equipment provides an unparalleled holistic care offering for your loved one.