Assisted Living: How Do I Know It’s Time?
Everyone wants to be independent. When we’re children, we want to dress ourselves (even if it takes significantly longer than if our parents were to do it); when we’re young adults, we crave living on our own (even if we have to call Dad to ask him how to change an air filter). The desire for independence remains even when we’re older adults, and we try to maintain independence for as long as possible—even if it is no longer the best choice for us.
Deciding to move to an Assisted Living Community can be scary and emotional. Because of this universal desire for independence, many people put it off or avoid it altogether. However, determining that you or a loved one can benefit from senior living will ultimately enhance your life in many ways.
But how do you know it’s “time,” though? Time to finally take the plunge and find an Assisted Living community, time to take control of your life and health. For many people, the right “time” isn’t necessarily one specific moment, but rather a series of thoughts, behaviors, and events that gradually lead them into the direction of senior living.
Assisted Living Locators of Long Island is a Senior Living Placement service, matching Long Island residents and families with Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities in Nassau and Suffolk County. We’re sharing some of the feelings and behaviors you may have that could indicate it’s time for senior living.
“My social life isn’t as great as it used to be.”
Staying social has numerous physical and mental health benefits for older adults. Research shows that remaining socially active as we get older can reduce the risk of dementia, depression, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
At the same time, though, it becomes more challenging to maintain a robust social life as we age. Friends move away, doctor’s appointments fill the calendar, and getting ready for an outing simply takes more energy. Plus, with more than 13 million adults 65 and older living on their own, it becomes even harder to avoid loneliness and isolation.
If you’ve found yourself longing for more friends, wanting to try new things, or simply wishing you had more people to talk to, it could be time to consider Assisted Living.
Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities in Nassau and Suffolk County make it easy for older adults to socialize with others, make friends, and try new activities. These communities generally offer structured activity calendars and common areas where you can socialize how you please.
“I just don’t have the energy to take care of the house anymore.”
Owning a home requires a lot of work and can be challenging to manage for an older adult who lives independently. Between regular maintenance and unexpected repairs, looking after a house can be expensive, time-consuming, and physically draining.
This thought may have entered your mind a time or two—maybe when you’re overwhelmed with bills or sore after shoveling snow from your walkway. If so, moving to an Assisted Living and Memory Care Community could be a helpful solution.
By moving into a community, you can get all the comforts of home—without the maintenance. No utility bills, no shoveling or landscaping, no repairs. All of these homeowner burdens are handled by the community’s staff, allowing you to focus on the things that truly matter.
“I seem to struggle with basic daily tasks.”
While Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities do foster socialization and convenience, at their core, they are made to assist adults who need an additional hand. Assisted Living Communities in Nassau and Suffolk County provide respectful and helpful support with daily tasks, like bathing, dressing, walking, and eating.
If you’ve noticed that you can no longer get dressed without getting tired or rely heavily on handrails and other items to walk, an Assisted Living and Memory Care Community could be beneficial. These helpful services are not meant to embarrass or judge but to provide discreet support that encourages independence while maintaining safety and efficiency.
After all, everyone does want to remain independent for as long as possible. Assisted Living Communities don’t stifle this independence but rather make it more achievable.
Knowing When It’s Time
In addition to the ones mentioned above, there are several other signs that it could be time to consider Assisted Living: you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic condition, or your primary caregiver cannot care for you anymore. Whatever the reason, it’s important to think of Assisted Living as a supportive next step, not a last resort.
If you or a family member have had any of these thoughts or noticed any of these signs, we encourage you to reach out to Assisted Living Locators of Long Island. We are a Senior Living Placement service that can assist you throughout the entire process—from consideration and decision to research and placement. We proudly serve families on Long Island across Nassau and Suffolk County. For more information on our free services, contact us today!