Moving into an Assisted Living Facility: How to Make the Transition Easier for Your Loved One

What is an assisted or senior living facility? Can it benefit you or your loved one? Will you or your loved one like it? Lets discuss resources and reasons why assisted living can be beneficial and the right choice for you or a loved one. Assisted living in short provides care to the elderly including dining, nursing, and housekeeping. According to the National Center for Assisted Living, there are more than 800,000 people residing in assisted living in the United States. Which is about 2% of seniors in the United States who live in assisted living facilities.As seniors age, they may need help with hygiene, eating, or housekeeping activities to live a full life. When needing care assistance there are different options for you or your loved one. Assisted living facilities focus on the importance of personal care in a facility for you or your loved one. Make sure to talk with your loved one about the choice to move into an assisted living facility. Isolation and loneliness  have been proven to assist in the decline of an elderly persons health. As a resident, daily social activities and conversing with others will help you or your loved one to broaden important social skills at an older age. Being in an assisted living facility can drastically improve overall health by simply boosting your or a loved ones mood. If you or a loved one are feeling isolated or lonely, being in a senior living facility will present the opportunity to meet people and socialize with other residents you may have a lot in common with.It can be difficult to narrow down an assisted living facility thats right for you or your loved one. There are many options available to help fit you or your loved ones needs. The most important part when selecting an assisted living facility is making sure it checks all the boxes. When choosing a community, take time to research and discover what these facilities have to offer.Use the following guide to assist in the decision for the best assisted living facility.Look for Management and Experience in Assisted LivingReputation Having a good reputation in the community is important to the facility, potential residents and families. The best way to judge a reputation is by experiencing it, its easy to make quick judgements so we recommend reading reviews, reaching out to residents or families in the area, and scheduling a tour.Licensing and InspectionsThe state regulates assisted living communities by putting in place protocols, procedures, and sometimes showing up unannounced to the facility. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), regulate nursing homes with evaluations posted on their website but not assisted living communities. Each state regulates assisted living facilities in place of the federal government. Each state is different and usually is monitored by the states health department or social services. To learn more, click here.Longevity of StaffHaving experienced and well-trained staff is crucial to a properly run facility. Staff who have been around the facility for years know the residents well, are very familiar with the facility and are experienced. When assisting residents, you or your loved one want a staff member who knows what they are doing. Having a connection with the staff is important for residents to feel comfortable and trust who is taking care of them.Look for a Friendly Atmosphere and Environment in an Assisted Living FacilityFacility Having a clean facility is crucial to choosing the right one for you or your loved one. The ambience is a big factor to consider when touring, does it feel comfortable, or does it feel off? Is the facility like the pictures online or does it look completely different, many facilities do this to get customers in the door, and its deceiving. In the facility, pay attention if the staff is warm and friendly or if they seem like they dont want to be there. Picture yourself or your loved one walking through the halls or sitting having dinner with residents, its important to feel comfortable. Does the facility appeal to all 5 senses (taste, touch, smell, hearing, and eyesight)?StaffWhen choosing an assisted living facility, the staff is one of the most important aspects of deciding. The staff are going to be taking care of you or your loved one and will be responsible for administering medicine, help with mobility, running engaging activities, and caring for you or your loved ones overall safety. Assisted living staff should be passionate in this line of work, find people you or your loved one connect with and feel comfortable around. If youre looking for ways to see what kind of staff a facility has, to catch a glimpse, poke around on the facilitys Facebook page. Doing this allows you to see into the environment and staff at the facility. Most facilities have social media to keep families and potential residents updated and to highlight special moments.Look for Quality Services and Amenities of Assisted LivingCareCan you or your loved ones needs be met? Will the nurses and staff cater to you or your loved one for your specific required needs? These are the questions to think about before making the final decision where to go. 24/7 nursing is important to have when aging, someone to always be there for you or your loved one in case of emergency. Look into how care is administered and how it is determined to cater to you or your loved one. Ask questions on the tour, reach out to the director, and read all the information the facility will provide you in detail. Also, ask if the facility has a Quality Assurance Manager.TransportationA facility having a service like transportation will give residents the ability to go to their doctors appointments safely or partake in an adventure off property. Its a special service not every facility can offer, families of loved ones can relax knowing theyre safe and provided with the service of transportation.Outside SpaceEveryone needs fresh air. Having a path to walk on or somewhere to be able to sit and get fresh air is important, especially in assisted living, its easy to become cooped up a lot of the time. Getting outside and moving your body will help feelings of isolation or sadness. Ask the facility if they have outdoor patios and how often they use them. Look for some vitamin D!Some facilities offer many different types of amenities like an ice cream parlor, barber shop, hair salon, library and more!Look for Safety Features Offered in an Assisted Living FacilitySecurity & Call SystemIf you or your loved one suffers from Alzheimers or dementia, having security implementations such as Wander Guard will help monitor you or your loved one. If a resident tries to leave the building alone, its a simple way to help avoid accidents and to keep everyone safe. Having a call system in place will help with the safety of you or your loved one. Residents can notify nurses if they are not feeling well or have fallen, its a system that helps staff be aware of issues in the building since they cant be everywhere at once. The call system is a feature that helps bring families peace of mind because they know their loved ones are in constant care, which is better than at home.Ask for Their Recreational Activities Calendar of Assisted LivingInterestMany facilities offer a wide variety of social and recreational activities for residents, with a lot of diversity to cater to different interests. When researching facilities, focus on activities that interest you or your loved one and that seem fun. At an assisted living facility, there are more options than if at home, but its still important to find activities you or your loved one will enjoy. Facilities that offer a variety will be super helpful in creating a wonderful atmosphere. Some facilities offer night owl calendars, the purpose of night owl is to have residents stimulated if they cant go to bed or enjoy staying up late.  From indoors to outdoors to exercise classes and happy hours, many facilities offer a lot of options for residents to socialize.FamilyWith the hundreds of activities assisted living facilities can put together, important activities also include family involvement as well as the community. Having a facility that enriches and encourages families to come and visit their loved ones is important to help maintain close bonds. Holiday parties with family and birthdays can help residents stay connected.Look for Assisted Living Quality Food ServiceDietary NeedsMost people have different needs or specific restrictions when it comes to their diet, especially as they age. It can be recommended by your doctor, an allergy, or a personal choice. Making sure a facility offers special dietary services is an important feature. While looking, its important to also research if the menu is approved by a dietitian. Food can increase socialization and overall health in you or your loved one by fueling your body with nutritious meals. Having food that you or your loved one will like is crucial to enjoying an assisted living facility. Eating and socializing promotes a sense of community and food can help residents feel happier and more comfortable.VisitorsLook into if residents can have visitors and what that cost would be. Some residents might not be able to leave the assisted living home because they are not able, so its important to see if the facility allows family members to have private parties or gatherings.Ask Questions About Contacts and FeesIts important to keep questions like these in mind on the tour or speaking with the facility employees: Are there community entrance fees? Are there any extra costs? Can you age in place? How often do rates increase?Some facilities charge these fees, and some do not. Each facility will work differently for everyone based on their financial situation and each facility offers different services to residents. Find whats best for you or your loved one!This checklist is meant to help get you or your loved ones mind thinking about important aspects to consider when discussing moving into assisted living. There are many attributes that pertain to where you or your loved one make the choice. Its important to do the research and investigate certain features that would help make the decision easier. It can be difficult to narrow down the right place, especially with cost being a large factor of where you or your loved one will go. Use resources to help in this decision and trust your gut!Lets further discuss key points on why assisted living could be the right choice for you or your loved one:Reason 1:- 24/7 NursingHaving nurses on site 24/7 is a game changer for you or a loved one. It gives you and family members peace of mind that there are medical professionals readily available if anything were to happen. Having a caregiver who is professionally trained will help residents to live a happier life. As much as family or friends want to help, they do not have the experience nurses do. Some facilities do not offer 24-hour nurses because they dont have enough staff or money in their budget. They will still have access to nurses but not 24/7 or sometimes only virtually, its up to you or your loved one which is preferred.It can be hard to accept if you or a loved one needs assisted living care but recognizing it and finding the best fit is worth the hardship. The sense of safety you can give yourself or a loved one will be extremely beneficial to both sides. Usually, families want to do everything they can and become their own versions of nurses. There comes a point in time when medical professionals will make the world a difference on both sides, while also giving the opportunity to gain a group of supporters and advocates for you or a loved ones health.Reason 2: Having a 24/7 Activities CalendarKeeping social has its many benefits for seniors. If you or a loved one are introverted, its easy to become lonely and isolated. Being alone has proven to have negative effects on mental and physical health. Taking part in socialization may improve your memory and is a way to have fun! The reason for 24/7 activities is to intrigue every type of resident, whether that be at late afternoon or 3 in the morning because they cant go back to bed after taking their medication. Or they cant sleep because they miss their family, so they find a friend to play cards with. The purpose is to always have the opportunity for residents available regardless of time.During the day, a resident may be too tired to do anything but by nighttime, they feel better. This gives everyone the opportunity to socialize on their own time. Some residents are night owls, others early birds, both have the chance to do what they want and when. If you or a loved one are looking for a chance to improve your mental health, consider and participate in activities that are offered because there are bigger reasons behind them. For example, playing cards frequently can help improve your or a loved ones memory and cognition. Cards help with short-term memory as recalling a move quickly is important, as well as hand eye coordination. Reminder, social activities will always be important to a persons physical and mental health, regardless of age.Reason 3: Services and AmenitiesSomething you wouldnt be able to enjoy at home but can at a facility will likely become an incentive on why a senior living facility might be for you. For example, the adjustment of going from a home with not much to do unless you could drive there, to a facility with cool amenities like a beauty parlor and barber shop could be a fun change!The day-to-day places you had to go each day while living alone can be right down the hall instead. This saves gas money, car payments, expenses, or the risk of something happening to you or a loved one unsupervised. When looking for the right facility for you or your loved one, pay close attention to the amenities and the benefits of having them right there. When picking options, have them be desirable and beneficial to what you or your loved one want.Reason 4: DiningIndependence is easy to take for granted, having it taken away or fighting a loved one over it for their safety is difficult. With assisted living, loved ones are monitored constantly without being invasive, to allow the opportunity to still be independent. They can go on walks, take a yoga class, or participate in field trips all while having nurses assist at every event they choose to attend. If anything were to happen, they wouldnt be alone.Reason 5: Feel at HomeIf you or your loved one suffers from pain or difficulty getting around, assisted living can help relieve those struggles and provide comfort. Having professionals monitor medications or assist with hygiene activities will help you or a loved ones quality of life. Its not a secret as someone gets older, it is more of a risk for them to be alone or to be doing activities theyve always done. Being a resident of assisted living will help bring an extra level of safety to you or your loved one that families cannot bring. As safe and secure someone may feel with their own families, it is not always the solution especially if they have their own lives to live.Reason 6: SafetyWhen an elderly person is living alone, they usually have housework to upkeep or laundry to fold. But what if the washer and dryer are in the basement and its a hazard to walk down a steep flight of stairs. Not only does this pertain to safety but joining an assisted living facility can also allow for more free time. Not worrying about the laundry being folded, the dishes being clean or the mailbox being completely full.Pittsburgh is known as one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania according to Niche. It is rich in American history and known as the City of Bridges having 446 of them. There are 195 assisted living facilities in the Pittsburgh area, they offer different opportunities for levels of care and costs.Pittsburgh is a place where different age groups can find multiple activities to do. Being in assisted living wont stop you from still enjoying the city you live in if youre able. Look into the local arts and culture of Pittsburgh, like the Warhol Museum.When it comes to deciding when to go into assisted living, its important to plan. Coming to terms with accepting help or realizing you or your loved one needs a change in their environment requires some deep thinking. There is a lot going into a decision as big as this one: family, pets, current home, or if facility care is the right choice. Check out this planning guide for a mental and physical checklist to help you or your loved one feel better prepared.If you or your loved one do choose to become a resident at a senior living facility, the standard is to be well taken care of daily. There should be multiple employees in each department making sure residents are comfortable and being cared for. To benefit from the care you or your loved one receive, its important to also continue  to care for yourselves.In ConclusionResiding in a senior living facility opens a door of opportunity and benefits for you or a loved one. With a 24/7 activities schedule to keep you or your loved one engaged and social to the multiple amenities available. Gain the advantages senior living facilities offer while feeling comfortable and aging in place. Senior living is not only about becoming older, but also about finding a place which fits you or a loved ones needs best, all while offering opportunities that wouldnt be available at home. Having 24-hour nurses physically on property can make a world of difference with your or a loved ones health compared to being alone.Still feel connected to having independence by choosing to participate in activities and continue to stay active. Senior assisted living facilities can offer the opportunity of aging in place. The care you receive can adapt with you or your loved ones age, resulting in a happier and safer lifestyle. Its main purpose is to provide comfort and fulfillment to residents and their families in times of need.If youre interested in learning more about senior living facilities and what they can offer to you or a loved one, research! Call up potential facilities and schedule a tour to see it in person or a virtual visit.Take the information here and process all the opportunities senior assisted living can give to yourself or a loved one. It can transform a persons way of life as they begin to age and have limited abilities. There are more opportunities for residents with activities and amenities available every day, compared to if they werent residents at a facility. Socializing and moving your feet are key factors in staying healthy as everyone ages, cue the live music and midnight movies!

Are your parents beginning to need extra help with basic daily tasks? You may have noticed its become more of a challenge for them to safely bathe and dress or shop and prepare meals.If they could use a helping hand, an assisted living community could offer the right support for them to embrace their best quality of life.But having the conversation and getting them to say yes is not always easy.The benefits of assisted livingWhere to begin? Understanding all the advantages can be a great place to start: Private residences and an independent lifestyle Reassure your parents that they wont lose their independence if they move into an assisted living community. Theyll still have a private residence and make their own decisions. How they choose to spend their days, when and what to eat, when to go to bed, and when to wake up will all be up to them. Help and assistance when needed Explaining how much easier the challenging daily tasks could be if they move into an assisted living community can help parents better understand the services available. Whether its assistance with laundry, grooming, or managing their medications, parents also appreciate that they dont need to always call on their children for help. Activities, social events and delicious dining Older adults who have become more isolated, or have trouble attending or participating in events and activities they always enjoyed, also appreciate only having to walk out their front door to discover whats waiting. Most residents love the idea of no longer needing to plan, prepare, cook and clean-up after meals. They only need to choose from great menu selections, sit back and enjoy. Friendships and companions Social isolation and loneliness can become a reality as we grow older, due to health, mobility or logistics. And they both have a negative impact on our health. Making new friends couldnt be simpler when an assisted living community is home. Activities and social events provide a natural setting to meet others and discover how much there is in common. Secure and maintenance-free living Security and safety are issues older adults are concerned about, even if they havent shared that with their children. But a communitys security systems and knowing help is always there provide immense reassurance.Residents who have been taking care of their own homes and the responsibilities of upkeep love the freedom that comes from having someone else take over.Parents and assisted living: encouraging them to say yesIf you could use a few tips to help your parents take advantage of all that assisted living has to offer, consider these 5 ideas: Plan ahead and prepare Gather all the needed information before your conversations. Learn as much as you can so you can address any of their concerns and answer their questions.Choose the time that works best for your parents and family but plan on having more than one conversation. Dont make your parents feel pressured. Make sure they know youre there as support but its their decision to make. Point out the advantages of assisted living but remain neutral There are many benefits of an assisted living community that go beyond the help theyll receive with the daily tasks of living. Review all the advantages but strive to remain neutral in the conversations.Adult children often immediately begin trying to talk their parents into the move. This can cause feelings of intimidation or anxiety. Many parents will resist or disengage and the conversation will be over. Match their needs to the benefits of assisted living Help your parents discuss some of their challenges and match them up with the benefits a community offers.For example, if theyre struggling to bathe safely, point out how a compassionate caregiver is trained to help in a way that preserves their dignity and independence.Is cooking a challenge? Discuss the advantage of just enjoying a delicious meal and not even having to help clean up afterward. Offer to be their partner Approach the situation as a partnership. Ultimately, this is their decision to make. Your role is one who is providing information, support and love. Offer to help them explore the different options available. Together, discuss why one solution may work better than another. If their answer today is no, what action would they consider if their health or abilities change in the future.  See an assisted living community in person Your parents may not realize what todays assisted living communities look like or know all that they provide. Ask if theyd like to see community life first-hand and arrange to take a tour together.Make sure theyre able to see different residence choices, sample a meal, and if possible, take part in some of the activities and amenities available. Ask about opportunities to visit with other residents and get their point of view.

Assisted living is a big step, and knowing when it is the right choice for your loved one can be difficult. But its a choice that can offer a better quality of life for yourself as a caregiver and more comfort and safety for your loved one. Lets discuss a few important signs to look for in daily life that illustrate how assisted living could benefit your loved one. 1) Daily Activities are Hard Activities like laundry, dishes, cleaning the house, exercise, and bathing can become difficult for loved ones, especially those who have limited mobility, health or cognitive issues. According to the Chicago Tribune, over 35 percent of people over age 65 fall in their homes once a year, increasing to 50 percent for those aged 75 and above. Falling, especially if your loved one lives alone, can be severe. While it can be challenging for loved ones to accept the reality of being unable to take care of their home, caregivers must recognize these difficulties to provide help. If you are a family member of a loved one who lives alone, check in on them to see how they manage their day-to-day lives. Assisted Living Offers Help for Everyday Needs At an assisted living facility, residents have access to all the benefits of independent living, but with help available for laundry, cleaning, and bathing services, to name a few. In addition, there are skilled, licensed nurses to care for residents in a safe environmentwhere falls and other accidents can be prevented, Far too often families wait until an event occurs before they have their loved one move into assisted living, says Chrissy Smith, Area Operations Director and Administrator at Forest Hill Heights. Families should consider not waiting for a hospital or rehabilitation stay but instead once they note a decline to move sooner than later so that the potential resident can truly enjoy the amenities offered by assisted living.  2) Getting the Proper Nutrition is Difficult Receiving proper nutrition at any age is a necessity for overall health. According to Feeding America, seniors who are food insecure are more likely to have a higher risk for chronic health conditions and mental health conditions like depression. Not eating enough, not eating the right number of necessary foods, or eating the wrong foods can affect anyone physically and mentally. Bone fragility, weak immune system, risk of hospitalization, and poor healing are some side effects of poor nutrition. Assisted Living Offers Homestyle Dining and Medication Management  Dining at an assisted living facility allows residents to maintain a proper diet with nutritious meals featuring plenty of options. Smith says, Many medications require being taken around mealtimes with food. By managing the medications around those mealtimes, taken at the correct dosage, we can see improvement within the health of new residents. Chef-prepared meals create a proper balance of nutrients, including fresh ingredients and dishes approved by certified dieticians. Menus allow for choice, and many facilities offer an additional menu of daily favorites. Accommodations can also be made for dietary restrictions like no added salt, diabetic, gluten-free, mechanical soft, and others. 3) A Lack of Socialization Staying social and active through hobbies, friends, and activities is essential. But when people live alone, not being able to move around or drive somewhere can prevent them from enjoying and living their life. The National Institute on Aging describes how research has linked social isolation to health issues like heart disease, obesity, and cognitive decline. Someone who is developing increasing issues with their activities of daily living, they also may be starting to isolate socially, says Dr. David Dunn, Forest Hill Heights Medical Director. Everyone needs some socialization to spark their cognitive functions, build relationships, and enjoy life. Assisted Living Has Activities for Residents to Enjoy Everyday  At an assisted living facility, residents have the option to be around people, but also have their alone time. Assisted living facilities have activity calendars with stimulating activities including trivia, bingo, dancing, movies, happy hours, card games, walks, stretches, and music classes. Being around people with similar interests and situations allows for friendship and a better quality of life.  4) Their Physician Recommends Assisted Living If you have yet to ask your loved ones physician whether or not they think assisted living could provide a better quality of life, now is the time. Getting a doctors opinion can help a caregiver or a loved one understand that Assisted Living may be the better and safer option. As a caregiver, it may relieve the stress you feel providing daily care and worrying about their safety and well-being. In addition, doctors can help provide medical reasons why it is a safer environment for your loved one. Assisted Living is Staffed by Highly Trained Professionals When information and advice come from a personal doctor, it can bring comfort because your loved one trusts them. The nurses and doctors in assisted living facilities are highly trained professionals who can make your loved one feel that same amount of safety and comfort. With years of experience and dedication to the well-being of residents, they are professionals who practice passion. Whether its certificates in long-term care administration, certified dementia practitioners, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, or developing individualized care plans for each resident, the entire care teams skill and dedication remains focused on residents safety and comfort.  5) As a Caregiver, Youre Struggling Hiring a caregiver can be expensive, and because of this many families help each other out. It can be a constant worry, but you dont want to upset your loved one by bringing up the topic of assisted living. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, caregivers spend on average 13 days (about 2 weeks) per month on shopping, food, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and medication administration. Colleen Roy, Administrator of Orchard Heights urges caregivers to give themselves the benefit of time in this decision Please dont wait until youre in a crisis to make a decision for your loved one. Give yourself the gift of time, so you are comfortable and able to find the right fit.  Assisted Living Has Caregivers in Every Department  In assisted living, caregivers can be found in every department. Caring people specialize in different aspects of providing care in dining to activities, and transportation, maintenance, laundry, and housekeeping services, with licensed nurses available 24/7. There are always caregivers helping residents lead happy and productive lives and, most importantly, with independence and dignity.  Choosing Assisted Living is a hard decision to make but its a choice that can improve your loved ones health, social life, and overall quality of lifeand allow caregivers and loved ones the time to spend together in more meaningful moments.