(443) 745-6115As our parents and loved ones age, we find ourselves asking when is the right time for assisted living? It is a complex question, and there are many factors to take into consideration. Here are some things to consider when deciding when is the right time for assisted living.
Activities of Daily Living
There are 6 Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) used to evaluate whether a person can take care of themselves. They are:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Toileting
- Transferring
- Continence
- Feeding
As you examine each of these activities for your senior, assign a number of 1 if they can do the activity without assistance. Assign a 0 if they need any assistance with the task. Add up the score for a maximum of 6 points. Any score lower than a 6 out of 6 may mean the time is right for assisted living.
Additional Signs the Time is Right for Assisted Living
In addition to the ADL’s, you may notice other signs that assisted living is the right choice.
Care level is increasing. You may begin to notice that the level of care your loved one needs is increasing. As soon as you see this, it is time to begin evaluating your assisted living options. Most caregivers will continue care until it becomes too much for them. They will become more stressed and overwhelmed before they begin searching for an assisted living home. Don’t wait until you are desperate to find the right assisted living residence. Starting the process early will make sure you find the right fit for your senior.
Medical care is needed more frequently. Have you noticed that you are spending more time at the doctors, pharmacy and making medical phone calls? If the answer is yes, the time is right for assisted living. Having qualified caregivers and doctors available 24/7 will allow for better and more timely medical care. Early medical intervention is so important when it comes to treating the elderly.
Memory Loss is occurring. As people age, we tend to expect some level of memory loss. Assisted living homes allow seniors to receive more stimulation and interaction with others which will slow memory loss. Isolation and loneliness has a negative effect on the overall health of your loved one. Continuity of care and a safe and secure environment is of the utmost importance as we age.
Don’t Wait to Find the Right Assisted Living Home
The right time for a move is before you reach the “I can’t handle this anymore” or the “They can’t live on their own anymore” stage. Assisted living is the right decision for your loved one and for you.
Delaying a move to assisted living can lead to:
- Chances for a fall
- Need for hospitalization
- Increase in confusion or dementia
- Loneliness and depression
Contact Kenwood Care Assisted Living
Kenwood Care Assisted Living Centers have been owned and operated by Victoria and John Sessler for 25 years in Howard County. Kenwood Care has four residential houses: Maple Hill in Laurel, MD, Autumn Hill in Fulton, MD, Glen Hill in Dayton, MD and Pine Hill in Laurel, MD.
Each of our homes offers a beautiful residential setting, and they are designed to provide a home-like atmosphere. We take senior care in Howard County seriously which is why we have one of the highest resident-to-caregiver ratios in the state, top-notch medical care, and Alzheimer specialists on staff. Contact us today for more information about our assisted living homes.
The comfort of home. The care you need.
