Blog: Is Assisted Living Right For Your Loved One?

​Assisted Living Is It a Good Choice for Your Loved One

When it comes to our parents or loved ones, knowing when it is the best time to find help is difficult. As they raised us and looked after us, we want to do all we can to be there for them. With our busy lives, it is difficult to be there for a loved one who needs help 24/7. If you are stretching yourself thin and making yourself ill trying to juggle life and caring for a loved one, it may be time to think about assisted living. It can be tough getting a loved one to go into assisted living, but understanding why it is the best choice for them may sway them to consider it. Here are just a few reasons why assisted living is a good choice for a loved one who is struggling when alone at home.  

Assisted Living is Safer for Everyone
If your loved one is prone to falls or you are worried that they are not safe on their own, assisted living is the perfect choice. This gives you peace of mind that they are always safe and means you don’t have to keep checking up on them all day. Assisted living is made to be both comfortable and completely safe, especially for those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Their privacy and dignity will be upheld but they will be under constant surveillance to ensure that they do not walk out and wander off, which could end up with them being in a dangerous position or extremely scared if they become lost.

Assisted living doesn’t just protect your loved one from themselves though, most assisted living homes are monitored 24/7, meaning less chance of a burglary, as elders are often the most targeted and vulnerable when it comes to home invasions. Knowing that your loved one is surrounded by people, including professionals who know how to keep them safe and happy, can provide so much peace of mind. There should also be alert systems in every room and bathroom, so if something did happen, your loved one can inform staff and it can be dealt with straight away. Unfortunately, medical alert systems that are wearable are not this quick, although they are a good idea whilst your loved one is living at home alone.

Your Loved One Can Have Days Out
​Most assisted living homes offer days out and events for their residents. If your loved one cannot get out of the house without help from you, this is the perfect way to make sure that they have some fun and stay active when you cannot be there for them. When you have a full-time job and a family of your own, it can be so difficult finding the time to do everything and many people feel guilty if they cannot take their loved ones out enough. Even something as simple as a trip to the shops often makes an elder’s day when they struggle to leave their home. When they live in assisted living, they can go on day trips out, to go shopping, and attend community events.

Assisted living homes also help out with appointments and will usually arrange transport for your loved one, meaning that you don’t have to take time off work every time they have an appointment. This can make everyone’s life easier whilst your loved one still gets what is best for them. If your loved one is getting fed up, assisted living could be the best option for them. As we get older and become housebound, depression can all too easily creep up on us, so getting out and about is a must.

It’s More Social
Not only will your loved one get to go out, but they will also be surrounded by others. Assisted living gives your loved one the option to be around other people of similar ages and interests. They will also have their own living space, meaning they can go back to their own room if they want to be alone, but they always have a choice to socialize. Often assisted living homes will hold events such as bingo or games nights. They also often have a shared living space, so if your loved one wants to relax and read their paper surrounded by others, they can.

It is essential that they have someone around for company and to talk to, and if you cannot get around to see them every day, they will begin to feel lonely and isolated. Assisted living and independent living are a little different and it may be that your loved one requires independent living if they can still do most things on their own. It is a good idea to compare the differences between the two, so you can understand which level of care your loved one needs.

There is Less Worry
The best part about assisted living is that you no longer need to worry about your loved one. Assisted living provides the perfect level of comfort and care for your loved one, meaning they are getting what is best for them when you are struggling to provide it. There is no need to feel guilty about sending a loved one into assisted living, we have to look after ourselves too and it can be overwhelmingly difficult looking after a loved one when you have many other responsibilities.

This option is usually the safest and is best for anyone that can no longer manage on their own. Assisted living is also better for maintenance, as if there is an electrical fault or plumbing issue, your loved one will simply be able to report it and have the problem sorted. This is yet another thing that you no longer need to worry about.
Assisted living is the right choice for many who are unable to look after themselves and are living alone. It may not be the answer to every problem, but it can lead to your loved one becoming more social and happier.

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