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Is your older parent struggling with the basic daily tasks, such as bathing safely or managing their medications? Is it becoming more of a challenge for them to prepare healthy meals or keep up with the laundry and housekeeping?

These can all be signs that assistance is needed.

Families searching for additional help may find themselves considering which of the following solutions might be best:

• Devoting more hours themselves
• Bringing in the services of a home care agency
• Parents choosing to move in with a family member
• Finding the right assisted living community for parents to make their new home

Is assisted living right for your parent?

The correct solution for your parents and family will depend on their specific needs and preferences.

But how do you know if an assisted living community could be the right option? The answers to these 10 questions can help make the best decision. 

10 questions to ask about assisted living

An assisted living community can not only provide a helping hand but also greatly contribute to a better quality of life.

1. Does your parent need more help with daily tasks?

Could your mom or dad use assistance with bathing, dressing or managing a household? Is your family unable to provide enough daily or weekly hours and still juggle their own responsibilities?

How assisted living can help: Assistance is there when needed, whether it’s getting ready for bed, getting dressed in the morning, managing medications and many other tasks.

2. Is their house becoming less accessible?

Most homes were not built with aging in mind. Your parent’s house may require expensive or extensive renovations to make it more age-friendly.

How assisted living can help: Your parent will enjoy having their own residence that is specially designed to be more accommodating. And they won’t find any accessibility barriers in their private home or community.

3. Is your parent struggling to prepare healthy meals?

Maintaining a healthy diet is essential for both physical and mental fitness. But the challenges can cause an older adult to substitute snacks or skip meals altogether.

How assisted living can help: Most residents love not having to plan, shop, prepare and cook meals. They appreciate choosing from a wide menu selection and enjoy delicious and nutritious meals.

4. Is your parent’s mobility challenges causing them to be less engaged in life?

It is crucial to stay engaged in daily life but older adults often find it more difficult if there are mobility, scheduling, or transportation issues.

How assisted living can help: Communities take care of everything for their residents. They create a monthly activity calendar with enough options to appeal to everyone.

5. Is your parent still able to socialize with friends?

Due to some of life’s circumstances, friendships may become fewer as adults grow older. But the need for interaction has never been more important to their health.

How assisted living can help: It couldn’t be easier for your parent to meet and make new friends. Communities offer social events and opportunities for getting together with neighbors and other residents to make finding friendship at any age easy.

6. Is your parent exercising and keeping physically fit?

Remaining in shape is important no matter your age but it can become more of a challenge as you grow older. Having the equipment, easy access to classes and the right guidance is not always possible when living at home.

How assisted living can help: Most communities offer a fitness center or classes intended for staying active after retirement, so your parents can more successfully meet their wellness goals. Choosing activities that include others also provides the social benefits – and is more fun.

7. Is your parent remaining emotionally healthy?

It’s critical that your parent take steps to keep themselves mentally healthy just as they do physically. Unfortunately, isolation can become a higher risk as we grow older.

How assisted living can help: You’ll never have to worry about your parent suffering from loneliness or isolation if they move into a community. There are opportunities to interact with others and several activities that promote healthy brain exercises. Check out our blog to understand the difference between loneliness and social isolation.

8. Could your parent use help with home maintenance?

It only becomes more difficult to keep up with a home as you grow older.

How assisted living can help: One of the benefits residents say they enjoy the most is no longer having to provide upkeep on their home. No more worries about repairs and maintenance, shoveling snow or mowing the grass.

9. Is your parent able to drive or have access to other transportation options?

No longer driving or beginning to drive less is common as we grow older. Unfortunately, that can also restrict our independence and freedom of interaction with others.

How assisted living can help: There are so many activities and opportunities offered on-site when you live in a community, but your parents will also find scheduled transportation to medical appointments, shopping and entertainment.

10. Does your parent feel safe living at home alone?

They may not mention it but older adults often begin feeling more worried or anxious about living alone.

How assisted living can help: The community is typically secured with either personnel or an alarm system. There may be personal alarms as well. Your parent will be reassured to know that they are never alone if they need help.

Discover life at a Northbridge community

If you’re considering senior living for yourself or a family member, we hope you’ll visit one of our communities. You’ll find a maintenance-free, activity-filled and engaging lifestyle to help support your wellness goals.

You’ll discover many benefits in a Northbridge Senior Living community, including our Signature Program S.T.A.R. Club (Sharp Thinking, Active Residents) – which offers our residents several activities to participate in with others, including:

• Daily exercise group
• Walking club
• Tai Chi & Yoga
• Nutritional classes
• Library and book club
• Museum outings
• Artists in residence program
• Multi-generational music
• Genealogy Generations

If you are considering senior living as the right choice for yourself or a loved one, we invite you to download our Family Decision Toolkit. Or, contact us to schedule a personalized tour.