|
May 04
|
Deciding when it’s time to move your loved one into assisted living is not an easy thing. You do not want to move your loved one into assisted living too soon but you do not want to wait too long either. There comes a time when you cannot provide enough care for your loved one but how do you know when to say when?
Before It’s Time
Before it’s time to make the move, you want to discuss assisted living with your loved one. What are their feelings on the matter? When would they like to move into this type of situation? What are some things that they definitely would like to see? Do they have any fears?
You want to address all of these topics before the time comes so that the answers do not feel forced. Discussing these issues early allows your loved one to get used to the idea and even participate in some early searches if you or they feel it is time for that. You can know when they would feel comfortable moving to assisted living so you are not putting it off when really you are all ready for this change.
Be Honest About Their Independence
How independent is your loved one? If they live alone can they care for themselves? If they live with you then how much care do they require? Can you provide the care that they need? Do they need help a few times a day or do they need to be watched constantly?
These questions get to the heart of whether a loved one can continue in the living arrangement that they are in currently. If they cannot live alone and manage all the tasks of daily living such as food preparation and hygiene then something has to change and assisted living may be the answer. The same is true if they live with you and you are unable to provide the level of care that they need or if doing so is more than you can comfortably handle.
The Question Of Safety
Sometimes loved ones can complete all the tasks of daily living or can do so sufficiently but it is still not safe for them to be alone. Perhaps your loved one is prone to falls or maybe they are forgetful and this could prove disastrous when they are cooking. An incident may already have occurred or you may know that it is only a matter of time.
When there are safety concerns then it is definitely time to consider making the move to assisted living, if not some other arrangement. Of course, health problems can make the choice obvious. If a loved one’s health prevents them from living where they are safely then it is time for assisted living.
How do you decide if it’s time to move your loved one to assisted living? You think about their quality of life. When it becomes clear that they will be safer, happier, and better taken care of in assisted living then it is time to make the move.
T. Rheinceker blogs about how to search for an online L.V.N. to B.S.N. bridge.