When you’re standing on the precipice of a major life change, it can be hard to know when to jump. When are you ready to get married? When is the prime time to start a family? When should you move to a new city? And how will you know when to move into assisted living? This last transition is often especially complicated. After decades of living in your own home, it can be difficult to pinpoint the right time to move into a retirement community. So if you think you might be ready for assisted living but you’re struggling to make that jump, scroll down. We might be able to help!
When to Move into Assisted Living
No one can tell you when to transition to assisted living. The decision is yours. However, if you answer yes to several of the questions listed below, we urge you to seriously consider it. At the very least, take a tour and explore your possibilities. You might be surprised at how many benefits there are to living in a retirement community.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
- Are you struggling to take care of your home?
- Have you been avoiding cleaning duties, mowing the grass, paying bills, etc.?
- Do you often forget to check the mail? Do you leave mail unopened for long periods of time?
- Have you taken a bad fall recently?
- Do you feel insecure and unsafe living alone?
- When you’re sick, do you struggle to take care of yourself?
- Do you find it difficult to manage your medications?
- Do you ever forget your medications or doctor appointments altogether?
- Do you avoid cooking or buying groceries?
- Have you lost weight?
- Do you sometimes feel unsteady on your feet, unable to balance?
- Do you have trouble standing up after you’ve been sitting?
- Do you struggle with simple tasks like dressing or bathing?
- Have you been neglecting your hygiene or personal appearance?
- Do you avoid laundry? Forget to shave? Wear unwashed clothes?
- Do you often feel lonely or depressed?
- Has your social life faded away?
- Have you abandoned beloved hobbies?
- Are you often bored?
- Do you feel as if your life has no purpose?
- Do you rarely leave your home?
- Are you uncomfortable driving or using public transportation?
- Do you forget to feed, groom, or exercise your pet?
- Do you rely on the kindness of loved ones?
- Have your loved ones expressed concerns about your health, home, or happiness?
- Have your loved ones urged you to consider assisted living?
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Assisted living should never be viewed as defeat; it’s simply the next step for seniors who want to live a long, healthy, and comfortable life. If you’re looking for a senior living facility in the Midwest, be sure to check out Hearthside Senior Living Place. Our eight senior living facilities are located in Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee. If you would like to take a tour of one of our facilities, please click here.
Note: Although we’ve addressed this article to seniors, some readers are likely trying to help their parents or grandparents transition to assisted living. If that’s the case, take some time to learn how to talk to your parents about assisted living. This topic can be uncomfortable, so it’s important that you’re well-prepared and able to handle your parent’s reaction. Good luck!
P.S. Check out our assisted living packing list!