Is Assisted Living the Right Option? 11 Factors to Consider

How can you tell whether life in an assisted living community would be the best option for you or someone you care about? Here’s a list of 11 issues to look for.

1. Risk of falling

Falls can be a serious risk for seniors. Things like poor eyesight, balance and gait issues, as well as sudden drops in blood pressure can make someone more prone to falls as they age. If a serious fall happens when living alone, it may be difficult to call for help.

Assisted living communities are designed with fall prevention in mind (including lighting, floor surfaces, handrails, accessible bathrooms). Staff regularly monitor the well-being of residents. If a fall were to occur, assistance is close at hand.

2. Need assistance with personal care

Has showering or bathing become more difficult? What about other personal care tasks?

Help with showering, dressing, and other personal care tasks is available in assisted living communities for those who need it.

3. Incidents in the kitchen

Recent kitchen fires or instances of the stove being left on can be a red flag.

In assisted living, meals are provided for you. No need for a stove.

4. Not eating properly

Not getting proper nutrition? This can eventually lead to a decline in health.

In assisted living, restaurant-style meals are provided for residents. Special care is taken to accommodate the dietary needs of each resident.

5. Managing health problems is becoming complicated

Over time, health problems can become more difficult to manage. As we age, we may not bounce back as quickly as we used to.

Staff in assisted living communities monitor the health of each resident on a daily basis. That way, any problems that arise can be addressed promptly.

Download our free ebook,

Just the Facts: Your Guide to Assisted Living.

6. Difficulty managing medications

If medications aren’t being taken as prescribed, health complications can arise.

Staff in assisted living communities make sure that each resident receives prescribed medications in the proper dosages at the proper times.

7. Social isolation

It’s easy to become lonely as we age. Our social circle can become smaller.

Assisted living provides lots of opportunities to form new social connections with other residents.

8. Trouble maintaining a home

Yard work, house cleaning, laundry, and shopping can become hassles over time.

All these tasks are taken care of for you in assisted living.

9. Driving safety

Is driving safety an issue? Have there been close calls or accidents? What about instances of dangerous driving like driving too fast / too slow, tailgating, or confusing the brake and gas pedal.

A move to assisted living can eliminate these concerns. That’s because many assisted living communities offer transportation so that there’s no longer a need to drive oneself.

10. Vulnerable to scams

Unfortunately, many door-to-door scams target seniors.

Assisted living communities have secure entrances that prevent shady characters from getting inside.

11. Not paying bills

Are bills going unpaid?

A move to an assisted living community can help to reduce this problem. That’s because there usually aren’t as many bills to pay (e.g. utilities, property tax).

Want to learn more about assisted living?

We invite you to download and read our free ebook, Just the Facts: Your Guide to Assisted Living.

download your independent living options guide

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