Affordable Housing - For People We Support, Home is More Than a Shelter.

It can be tough for older adults to rely on others for help, just as its difficult for family members to watch them decline. At a certain point, assisted living might be the best option for you or your loved one.You may have considered assisted living communities, but when is the right time to move forward? Here are 11 signs it might be time for assisted living. Plus, we added a bonus sign at the end!Signs It Might be Time for Assisted Living1. Memory ChangesMemory loss is normal as we age. For example, your loved one might forget why they entered a room or where they put the keys. But certain signs can raise forgetfulness to a new level.Examples include:Confusion about where they areGetting lostAsking the same question over and overIn these cases, assisted living communities can provide support and care to meet their needs. You can also consider an assisted living community with a memory care facility if needed.2. Cleaning and Household Chores Have Gone DownhillEven younger people have trouble keeping up with household maintenance sometimes, and age can make it harder to bend down, carry a laundry basket, or get on a stepstool to change a lightbulb.Rather than normal chore neglect, look for a clear sign of a lack of household upkeep.Examples include:Consistent dust and dirt around the floorsSmelly or stained clothingDishes repeatedly piled up in the sinkThis sign is even more important if messiness is a change from your loved ones previous habits. An assisted living community can help, as they provide cleaning services and remove the stress of maintaining an entire household.3. Assisted Living Facility Transportation Would HelpAt a certain point, driving might become dangerous if your loved one has cognitive impairments, slow reflexes, or other issues. You may notice signs of driving troubles from the passenger seat, or it might take your loved one getting a ticket or damaging their vehicle (we hope not).Assisted living communities provide transportation that can take your loved one from their home to shopping centers and doctors. Using the facilitys transportation service enables your loved one to still have some alone time, a sense of independence, and even a sense of dignity because they can run their own errandsand they can do it without using their own vehicle. 4. Eating ChangesPay attention to significant weight loss or changes to eating habits.Check for signs like:A reduced appetiteForgetting mealsLacking an adequate amount of fluidsWhile its good to ask a doctor about changes to eating habits to see if theres an underlying physical health problem in your loved one, its also possible that these signs would improve through the nutritious meals and check-ins that an assisted living facility provides.5. Personal Hygiene ConcernsSimilar to your loved one failing to keep up with home cleaning and maintenance, they may also neglect their personal hygiene.Notice signs like:Body odorDirty hairUnclean clothingSome other signs, such as an unclean home and weight loss, can also indicate that older adults neglect self-care. An assisted living community can support your loved one who self-neglects through regular meals, check-ups, and more.6. Spending Too Much Time AloneIts not bad to spend or enjoy time alone. However, it can become problematic if your loved one isolates too much. Many older adults make time for family and friends, join social groups, and head to daily activities at the senior center. However, others may live alone and be cut off from social ties for the most part.Its hard for some people to maintain a social life when they no longer have connections in the workplace and may have lost their spouse, who kept up social connections. Some people are better at being social than others, and some have decreased abilities that keep them from participating.Whatever the reason, isolation can contribute to poor health outcomes. Also, its often connected to other signs like poor hygiene and living conditions. If you notice isolation in your loved one, consider that assisted living communities bring people together for daily activities like meals and offer scheduled social interaction.7. Declining Medical ConditionsIts common for aging adults to have chronic health conditions like high blood pressure. While it is possible to manage health conditions from home, look for signs that your senior loved ones physical health is declining and chronic conditions are worsening. For instance, your loved one may have had multiple hospitalizations.These signs could indicate that your loved one is having difficulty managing the condition. Assisted living professionals could properly care for them and provide services like medication management and disease control. This can help with improved health and overall, well-being.8. Trouble Keeping Up with Daily TasksPart of an older adults failure to manage a health condition could be forgetting or neglecting to take medication. This sign can be included with failing to manage daily tasks.In addition to skipping important medication, your loved one might neglect other responsibilities.Examples include:Not paying billsNeglecting petsSkipping doctors appointmentsThese are signs of a need for extra support. Assisted living facilities can help individuals with these tasks by providing assistance with check-ins, transportation, medication management, and some medical care, including memory care if needed.9. Family Members Dont Give Enough HelpFamily members can be a great support for aging parents, but its not always enough. After all, family members have other responsibilities like work and children to take care of. Many families may not have the time, ability, or energy to care for an aging adult.Even if they can help, there may be gaps when no one is available, and a family member is generally not the same as a trained professional in senior care. Keep this in mind for yourself as an adult child, as you may not be able to fully care for your loved one, or you may have caregiver stress.While assisted living does not provide around-the-clock care like a nursing home, the staff is available to provide assistance when needed, and many of the residents consistent needs, such as meals, are taken care of. Assisted living falls on the spectrum of senior living options between independent living and a nursing home.10. Safety ConcernsSafety is an important concern regarding your senior loved one, especially if your aging parent is living alone. Keep an eye out for signs that your loved one may not be safe in their own home.Examples include:FallsDifficulty using stairs at homeWanderingDriving incidentsAssisted living can provide a secure environment that includes check-ins and various forms of support. It can take away numerous dangerous situations and provide safety features.For instance, assisted living communities offer transportation to replace your loved one driving independently and provide meals, which removes potential cooking hazards.11. Poor Mental HealthIn addition to physical health, its important to consider mental health. You might notice that your loved one has signs of depression or another concern. Or they seem sad or anxious a lot.It is possible that specialized care of assisted living could help; it provides benefits that can support mental wellness.Examples include:Proper nutritionStimulating activitiesA supportive environmentSocial connectionsIn addition, the trained professionals working at an assisted living facility can check on your parents mental health regularly and ensure your loved one is taking their medication if any is needed.11 1/2. Your Loved One Likes the Sound of Assisted Living CommunitiesOur bonus sign is that your loved one may actually want to live in an assisted living community or are at least ready to check some out. This is great news, as it can often be challenging to convince someone to give up their familiar surroundings and move to a senior care facility sometimes, its the hardest battle of all.How CarePatrol Helps You Find Assisted Living Your loved one might recognize that they could use some extra help and may like the idea of being more connected to others. Once you have them on board, it will be much easier to check out assisted living facilities and find the right one.CarePatrol has locations across the nation with local senior care advisors ready to help you with your senior care needs. Finding the right assisted living facility is often time consuming. Our local senior care advisors know the communities inside and out and can direct you to the one that best suits your needs. The best part? Its no cost to aging adults or their families. To get started, find a CarePatrol Local Senior Care Advisor near you and give us call, or request more information online. 

How do you know when to move from assisted living to a nursing home? There is no specific timeframe that applies to each person, but in every case, it is critical to determine what type of care you need.  An assisted living community offers the opportunity to maintain independence while receiving support to meet most of your daily needs. A nursing home may be necessary when complex health issues require 24-hour nursing care and continuous medical supervision. Skilled nursing facilities provide specialized services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as wound care and intravenous (IV) therapy.Nursing home services differ significantly from those provided by assisted living communities. But what exactly are these differences, and how do they impact the level and type of care you may need?What Is an Assisted Living Community? Assisted living is a residential community that provides a non-institutional environment for people who can provide for many of their own needs. Some locations may offer some support, such as aiding in managing diet and nutritional needs. Some also help with incontinence. Some help with the highest levels of care including feeding, transferring, and behaviors. Additionally, many will offer medical care in addition to custodial care and have nurses on staff to oversee residents care. The assisted living level of care is for older adults who could be frail but do not need 24-hour medical nursing care. Residents may also benefit from having some of their medical needs addressed by a home health service that will come into the community. Assisted living helps with activities of daily living such as housecleaning, meals, dressing, and medication reminders and monitoring. The average assisted-living resident is 84 years old and needs help with two or three of the activities mentioned above. Assisted Living has a vibrant and social appeal as there are numerous offerings to stay active and engaged in life enrichment activities.Some older adults move into assisted living because living alone may not be safe for them due to the risk of falling, memory difficulty, or the risk of taking the wrong medication or an incorrect dosage. Moving into assisted living provides you with the support you need now, and that may delay your need for more advanced care until sometime in the future if you do not need that level of care right now.A licensed nurse may be available to provide individualized care. Staff may be on site 24 hours a day, depending on the communitys rules and regulations for that state. However, in some communities, the assisted living medical team is not available 24 hours a day. Keep in mind that each community sets its own objectives, based on specific state regulations. You should always clarify what is expected. While intense memory care for those who have end-stage Alzheimers disease or dementia, some assisted living communities will incorporate a memory care element to them. This will allow your family members to have the type and level of help they need right now, with the ability to step up care over time as their condition changes. Assisted living communities handle many of the more difficult tasks for those who are older. That could include light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation for grocery shopping or medical appointments, and other tasks.   What Is a Nursing Home? A nursing home provides a higher level of care with nursing support. This means your loved one will receive around-the-clock assistance from nurses and other medical professionals. Nursing homes have a more clinical environment and can address medical needs, such as wound care, intravenous therapies, and ventilation care. While you may assume skilled care is necessary, many assisted living communities can offer a much higher level of support than you might realize.In a nursing home, your loved one will likely reside in a semi-private or private room, depending on their preference, budget, and availability. They may visit the dining room for meals and participate in activities in various areas. However, if they need to eat in their room, assistance is readily available.The most important difference between an assisted living community and a nursing home is that a nursing home is regulated by federal mandates and typically offers short term acute rehabilitative care offered 24 hours a day by a team of licensed professionals which are funded by medicare. While most people will use skilled nursing for short-term needs, your loved one may require medical treatment that cannot be managed at home or in an assisted living community.Intravenous therapyVentilation careHourly monitory of vital signs or blood sugarsInjections of medicationsWound carePost-surgery careSome care settings may be better suited for your loved one if they have complex medical conditions that you cannot manage properly around the clock. Many facilities also offer specialized memory care units for end-of-life needs. The nursing home setting is designed to meet both the needs of the residents and the specialized care they require, which can sometimes feel more institutional. You may find supportive solutions for therapy, such as specific functional rehabilitation services, infusion therapy, or wound care treatments. Options for providing separate rooms for older adults with infections or illnesses might also be available. However, even in nursing homes, intensive care is not typically provided, and your loved one may be transferred to a hospital to receive the highest level of care when necessary.Frequently Asked Questions What is the average length of stay at an assisted living community? Many people live in assisted living for 2 to 3 years. They often then move to nursing homes that can better meet their ongoing needs due to worsening health conditions, limited mobility, memory care needs, or more support.  What is the main difference between assisted living and nursing homes? The difference in nursing home care is the level of medical care and support you receive. Skilled care means more licensed nurses and staff available to provide ongoing care. What are signs to know its time to move? Senior living options are extensive, but there are a few signs to monitor for to know when its time to move: You need extensive care for daily living You are leaving a hospital stay without the ability to manage most of your own personal care Your well-being is dependent on skilled care around-the-clock Changes in mental cognition can also play a role in this need Assisted living facilities cannot meet any specific care needs you have CarePatrol Can Help You Determine When to Move from Assisted Living to a Nursing Homeand Which one to Choose CarePatrol has local senior care advisors nationwide who are ready to help you determine when its time to move to a nursing home and find the best senior care solution. Also, if care needs change in the future, your local senior care advisor will help you find the right community.We partner with over 20,000 senior care communities across the nation and take families on tours of the communities so you can view the accommodations and feel confident in your decision.  To get started, find a CarePatrol location nearest you, or learn more about care options and request more information online.

For many older adults, senior living communities provide a supportive environment that offers social activities and mental stimulation, with just the right amount of support for health and safety. While independent living or assisted living are good options for most seniors, those struggling with Alzheimers disease or other forms of dementia may eventually need a higher level of care. This means that at some point, you may face the question of when to move from assisted living to memory care.Memory care facilities offer dementia patients more specialized care with staff trained in memory loss. They have therapies, activities, and programs that specifically support the needs of someone who is losing their cognitive abilities. They also have staff trained to support seniors as they deal with the realities of dementia.By making the transition from assisted living to memory care, family members get peace of mind that their loved ones are well cared for, supported, and safe. In addition, a memory care community and staff that understand dementia may be able to slow the cognitive decline of an elderly loved one, which is another perk.So, how do you know when it is time to make that transition from assisted living to memory care? 10 Signs Its Time to Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care1. Personal Hygiene Is Starting to Suffer Due to Dementia SymptomsDementia can make it hard for older adults to remember basic personal hygiene, but these tasks are essential to a loved ones health and dignity. Poor personal hygiene can lead to serious medical conditions and hurt your loved ones dignity. In the right memory care community, staff are trained to ensure the seniors under their care are taking care of these vital daily living tasks. Staff can also provide more support for these tasks than is possible in an assisted living community.2. A Senior Has Started to WanderThe Alzheimers Association warns that it is highly common for people with memory difficulties to wander, with six out of every ten people with dementia getting lost or confused because they cannot remember where they are or do not recognize their surroundings. Wandering is a serious safety concern, particularly if the older adult wanders outside of the assisted living community or regularly seeks an exit. Memory care facilities offer a safe, secure environment with flowing floor plans that naturally direct residents back to communal areas or their rooms. This design allows residents to have independence within the community without the safety concerns associated with wandering; They also have safety features such as door alarms or alert systems that prevent dangerous exits.3. Your Loved One Is Not Taking Their MedicationsMedication management is one of the care services offered in a memory care community. Staff will assist with organizing and administering medications to ensure your loved one is taking the right amount at the right time. While many assisted living communities also offer this service, memory care staff are specially trained to manage medication for residents with memory loss and have stringent protocols in place to ensure all medication is taken as prescribed.4. Your Loved Ones Social Life Is SufferingLack of interest in hobbies or socializing are common symptoms that get worse as dementia progresses. One of the benefits of assisted living and memory care facilities is the social activities they provide. However, seniors with dementia may have difficulty socializing without the support of memory care-trained staff. Staff members choose appropriate activities to support seniors with memory care and gently encourage them to participate with others. Families often find that their loved one feels less isolated and lonely once they make this move.5. You Notice Unexpected Health ChangesHealth changes, such as weight loss or unexplained injuries, in addition to memory problems, can indicate it is time to change your seniors living environment. Sometimes, seniors with memory loss forget to eat or struggle to eat enough in a community dining room. Memory care facilities have special dining plans and schedules that reduce distractions and ensure residents get sufficient nutrition. Making the switch from assisted living to memory care can mean additional support to avoid these types of health concerns.6. Your Loved Ones Behavior ChangesBehavior changes, such as increased aggression or negative mental health symptoms, can be because of a poor amount of support for memory care. Staff in memory care units have more training to support the emotional and mental health of their residents than those in other senior living communities, like assisted living or independent living. Team members are also trained to deal with the problematic behaviors that come with increased confusion in the later stages of dementia.7. Assisted Living Facility Activities Are HardAssisted living facilities often have activities for seniors to choose to participate in. However, dementia can make it difficult for them to take advantage of these events. In a memory care community, social activities are woven into the daily schedule that everyone participates in, increasing the likelihood that your loved one will participate.8. Youre Feeling Increased StressWhile this is not as cut-and-dried, if you feel like you need to regularly check on your loved one to ensure they are getting the right support, and you worry that caregivers are not well-versed in memory loss issues, then it is probably time to make the switch to memory care. Many families find that making the change helps to reduce stress as their loved one has the right care and support.9. Your Loved Ones Cognitive Needs Are Not MetAll seniors need mental stimulation to thrive but assisted living facilities may not have the right activities to meet the cognitive needs of seniors with dementia. To begin, planned activities may be difficult for a senior with memory loss. Also, the other residents may have conversations that your loved one can no longer follow. This change can lead to isolation and worsening mental health. To support your loved ones needs, memory care communities have activities designed to meet the cognitive needs of their residents, with an understanding of changing needs as dementia progresses.10. Assisted Living Staff Are Voicing ConcernsOne of the most obvious signs that it is time to make the switch to a memory care community is when your loved ones assisted living community staff members are stating their concerns. Often, caregivers who interact with your loved one daily more clearly see the subtle changes as dementia progresses. If staff are asking you to consider making the change, then it is time to start looking for the right senior living community to assist your loved one with their memory care needs.Making a Seamless Transition from Assisted Living to Memory CareIf the signs are pointing to making a switch from your loved ones assisted living community to a memory care community, there are some steps you can take to make the transition as smooth as possible.Follow All Legal RequirementsThere are many legal requirements necessary to transition from assisted living to memory care. Each state is different, so talk to the assisted living community to learn what is required in your state. To transition to memory care, you may need a doctors evaluation or specific state forms. You will also need your loved ones legal representative to agree to the change, so it helps if all family members are on board with the move. Start conversations with the assisted living facilitys staff to learn of these requirements so you are ready to make the transition to memory care when it is a necessity.Consider a Continuing Care CommunityIf your loved one is in a community that offers multiple levels of care, then making the switch may mean nothing more than moving to a new apartment or care level within the same community. If you anticipate transitioning from assisted living to memory care later, consider choosing a continuing care community when choosing senior care options.Get the Staff on BoardWork with the staff at the assisted living and memory care communities to help with this transition. They can give you insight into what might make it easier for your loved one.Keep It FamiliarIf possible, bring familiar items from the assisted living community to the memory care community. For example, if your loved one can have the same decor in both spaces or if you can set up the layout to be similar, they will feel more at home in the new community.Maintain Relationships if PossibleIf your loved one has specific relationships that are helping them with their mental health, then look for ways to maintain those relationships. Planning visits with friends from your loved ones community or relatives they feel close can keep those familiar faces in the seniors life.Memory care communities provide peace of mind to families of seniors with dementia and other memory concerns. With the right safety protocols and staff training, they provide a high quality of life with less stress and risk. If your loved one is starting to show signs of cognitive decline, now is the time to start discussing making the transition from assisted living to memory care.Get Memory Care Assistance from CarePatrol If you think its time to transition a loved one from assisted living to memory care,  CarePatrol senior care advisors at CarePatrol are here to help. At no cost to you, our local senior advisors review your needs and the services of the memory care communities in the area to pair you with the right option for your family. We vet every community in our network to ensure that we can recommend the right options for you. By taking you on tours of the communities, your questions will be answered. Reach out to a CarePatrol Local Senior Care Advisor today and let us help you.