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As you start to notice a parent or loved one beginning to show signs of needing more assistance to maintain independence, you might struggle with what to do next.

It may seem overwhelming to go from mom or dad living at home, by themselves, to all the sudden needing assisted living. What we encourage you to remember is that assisted living does not necessarily mean mom or dad needs help with every part of their daily routine, but it could be a great option to help with maintaining independence.

In an assisted living community, residents move in with a care plan designed to encourage independence. This means that they will receive assistance and care with tasks that they have started to struggle with. The level and type of care provided will depend on your loved one and their specific needs.

If you notice your parents are beginning to need assistance or a helping hand with maintaining independence, the good news is there are options.

Two of the more popular alternatives include remaining at home and bringing in care and assistance services – or moving to an assisted living community.

Families are often uncertain about which choice might be the best fit.

If you could use a little guidance we encourage you to consider what each has to offer compared to the needs of your parents. This can be a great way to discover the right solution.

If their needs are few, remaining at home with additional assistance might be a good answer. But if they are requiring more help or if their safety is at risk, a more long-term solution may be better. In that case, an assisted living community might be the best choice.

Benefits of assisted living vs. living at home

If you’re not familiar with the care, services and amenities that an assisted living community can offer, the following overview will provide a helpful summary of what you might find and how it might compare to life at home:

Assistance with activities of daily living– bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, transferring

• Assisted Living: In an assisted living community your loved one is assessed and a care plan is designed to provide assistance with specific needs your loved one has. This care plan includes help with the basic tasks including – bathing, getting dressed, grooming or getting ready for bed.
• Living at home: Unless a spouse or family member is available, you may need to contract with a home services organization to provide this assistance.

Private residences

• Assisted Living: Most communities offer private apartments for their residents who are encouraged to personalize their apartment to make it truly their own. In addition to the privacy of their own apartment, residents also have access to a variety of amenities all within the assisted living community.
• Living at home: Your loved ones may already have the privacy of their own home. However, if they will need to move in with a family member in the future, they may be limited in having space for themselves.

Support to maintain independence

• Assisted Living: The care and assistance offered in an assisted living community is designed to maintain independence for the resident. Apartments and all common spaces are designed to be age-friendly and accessible.
• Living at home: Your parents may feel as if they are losing their independence if they have to rely on family, friends or neighbors to help them with several tasks including transportation, cooking and cleaning. Their homes may also present accessibility challenges.

Healthy and delicious meals

• Assisted Living: In most assisted living communities, resident enjoy 3 chef prepared meals every day in the community dining room. Your loved one will appreciate having selections to choose from so they are able to eat healthy and delicious food daily. And the bonus? They don’t have to shop, cook or clean up.
• Living at home: Unless someone else is handling this, your parents may be at risk of poor nutrition, weight loss or gain, and experience a decline in their physical and cognitive health if they become unable to prepare healthy meals.

Monthly activities and social events

• Assisted Living: Boredom isn’t going to happen if your parents move into an assisted living community. There are planned monthly activities and social events, with enough options bound to offer something for everyone. From exercise classes to art programs and live music there is a variety of engaging options for everyone to enjoy.
• Living at home: If health or mobility issues arise, your parents may find it more difficult to attend events, entertainment or participate in activities with friends as they once did.

Opportunities to make new friends

• Assisted Living: Your parents will find it’s never been easier to meet people and make new friends after they’ve moved into an assisted living community. It’s natural to strike up conversations during activities, social events or in the common areas. Associates in assisted living also encourage residents to participate in programs that often lead to new friendships.
• Living at home: Social isolation can become a real threat to the health of your loved ones if they are unable to have access to others. Click here to read our blog about social isolation. 

Physical and cognitive fitness

• Assisted Living: Most communities provide a fitness center, exercise classes, games and other stimulating activities so their residents can remain physically and cognitively fit. A favorite at our communities is the Barre Balance Class- click here to learn why our resident love it so much!
• Living at home: Your family members may not have access to a fitness center and may not find many opportunities to stay in shape at home or in the neighborhood.

Safety and security

• Assisted Living: The benefits of an assisted living community’s safety and security extend to the family members as well. You’ll rest easier knowing your loved one will never truly be alone if help is ever needed. Most assisted living communities have a care team available 24/7 should the need for help arise.
• Living at home: Their home may not be age-friendly or safe and if your parents live alone they may experience increased anxiety if they’re concerned about falling or being injured.

Scheduled transportation

• Assisted Living: Another great benefit of assisted living is the scheduled transportation that is offered to shopping and entertainment, as well as access to flexible transportation to doctor’s appointments.
• Living at home: If your parents are no longer driving and don’t live where there is easy access to alternative modes of transportation, this can contribute to isolation.

Life at a Northbridge community

We understand the importance of helping a loved one make the decision whether to remain at home or move into an assisted living community. We hope the above information helped present a clearer picture between these two options.

If your loved one could use a helping hand but still wants to live an independent life, we hope you’ll consider one of our Northbridge assisted living communities.

We offer innovative and quality senior living solutions across the New England area, creating both living environments and programs to encourage freedom and lifestyle choices. Our goal is to support your loved one to live life to the fullest.

If you would like to start exploring Northbridge assisted living communities near you, click here to find the nearest location!