When’s the Right Time to Move Into Assisted Living/Basic Care?

Guest Post by Kay Carter

Moving into an assisted living or basic care facility is often a big and emotional decision. After all, many individuals prize their independence and are hesitant to relinquish a routine that may have worked well for many years. However, there may come a time when a choice needs to be made. But when is that time? Here are a few signs that it may be the right time to move into assisted living.

Declining Health  

For seniors across the country, declining health can be a major challenge to overcome. That is why one of the benefits of moving into an assisted living or basic care facility is that you will have support for dealing with a chronic illness. If you or your loved one’s health has gotten considerably worse, it may be time to move into a place that can monitor and provide the attention you need to continue to thrive.

Decreased Socialization 

With age, many individuals find that they don’t have the same levels of socialization that they did in the past. Whether due to the death of a spouse, far-flung family members, or a lack of activities out of the home, isolation and depression can be very real challenges. Fortunately, moving into an assisted living or basic care facility can help naturally and organically increase opportunities for social interaction. This, in turn, could improve emotional and mental health for the long-term. 

Challenges with House Maintenance   

Maintaining a tidy and well kept home may have been a top priority in younger days. However, according to House Method, one sign that it may be the right time to move into assisted living is if it’s getting too difficult to do things around the house. Tasks such as vacuuming, lawn care, and paying bills on time are essential to your independence. If you’re having trouble doing day-to-day tasks, can’t keep up with maintenance of your home, and don’t have a family member or caregiver to help, assisted living or basic care may be a great solution.

Financial Strain 

In many cases, families or individuals will choose to have at-home care before looking into an assisted living or basic care facility. However, high levels of at-home care can quickly add up, making an assisted living or basic care facility a wiser financial choice. If this is the case, it may be the smartest move for you and your loved ones to look into the potential for assisted living or basic care. 

Aversion to Cooking 

Eating healthy foods is an important part of staying well, whether you’re dealing with longer-term illnesses or simply looking to live out your years in the best shape you can. However, if you find it difficult to make food for yourself to the point that you’re skipping meals, it may be time to look into assisted living. This makes the tasks of daily life—such as eating well—simpler and far more convenient. 

Assisted living or basic care facilities are designed to make life as pleasurable, comfortable, and stress-free as possible. If you’re experiencing any of the above signs, it may be time to look into your assisted living or basic care options.

One Reply to “When’s the Right Time to Move Into Assisted Living/Basic Care?”

  1. I enjoyed the article about moving to a facility with basic care. I am in the process of determining whether to move out of St. Anne’s or not. I started a Novena yesterday (7/17) for help to discern what I should do. Thank You for the information. AnnB

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