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Resources
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Making the Decision
It may be time for assisted living when:
- Activities of daily living have become stressful and overwhelming.
- Your loved one needs more help than family and friends can provide.
- Your loved one seems lonely, isolated or bored.
- You worry about your loved one's safety.
- Your loved one cannot maintain chores of housekeeping, cooking, cleaning, laundry and shopping.
- Transportation is an issue.
- Your loved one is losing weight. The refrigerator is empty or filled with spoiled food.
- Medications are not being taken appropriately.
- You notice bruising or other injuries, as falls may occur and are being covered up.
- The house and yard is unkempt.
- Your loved one is unkempt. The same clothes are being worn over and over, and personal hygiene is being neglected.
- Your loved one loses interest in activities, eating, and appears depressed and unmotivated.
- Your loved one forgets things, including medications, appointments, or whether or not they have eaten.
When faced with reluctance:
- Think safety first. Your loved one's safety and well being is the most important thing. If your loved one cannot remain in their home safely then don't let your emotions or guilt override what needs to be done.
- Ask the physician for advice or assistance with discussing the need for assisted living with your loved one.
- Keep your loved one informed and involved in the decision-making process. Visit several places, narrow it down to two or three, and let your loved one decide.
- Discuss feelings openly. Allow your loved one to grieve the loss of home. Keep in mind that this decision can be frightening and overwhelming. Any negative feelings they may have are normal.
- Realize that you and your loved one are not alone. Everyone feels the same at first. In the end, most residents are happier and safer after moving into an assisted living facility.
Choosing the right place:
- Does it feel homey to you?
- What kinds of activities are offered?
- Do other residents seem happy and well-cared for?
- Does the menu and food seem appealing to you?
- Does the staff seem friendly and interact warmly with residents?
- Is the facility clean and maintained well?
- Does it offer the amenities that you want or need?
Making the transition easier:
- Know what to expect. Read materials before move in and make sure your questions are answered ahead of time.
- Pack well in advance of the move. Accept help from family and friends for packing, sorting and moving.
- Move furniture and belongings a separate day of your actual move in. This makes it less stressful and less overwhelming.
- Furnish the new apartment with favorite and familiar items.
- Recognize that moving to a new home is a major change.
- Listen as your loved one talks about what they left behind.
- Call and visit during the first few weeks, but not too often. Allow them time to get acquainted and develop their new routine.
- Make a photo album of the home they are leaving behind.
- If possible, avoid talking immediately about selling your loved one's home.
- See what types of programs are in place at the facility you choose to help your loved one adjust. At Willow Falls , a "Guardian Angel" Program is in place to help the resident get acquainted with their new surroundings. We also encourage that family joins the resident for their very first meal here at Willow Falls .
Links
www.willcountyseniors.org
www.will-grundycil.org
www.alz.org
www.leezasplace.org |
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