Aging is inevitable and the idea of being unable to continue to do everyday activities without assistance is never easy to accept or discuss.

Knowing When to Move to Senior Living Starts with a Conversation

Most people looking into senior living facilities have not talked with their loved ones about their wants and needs. Although it may be a hard conversation to have, it’s important to learn about your family members’ desires.

The key to a positive transition comes down to honest conversations about the wants and needs of everyone involved, while also taking health and safety into consideration.

Don’t Wait Until an Emergency Occurs to Have the Conversation About Moving to Senior Living. Most families think that moving into senior living should occur after they (or their loved one) realize that they need help or after an accident has already occurred.

Many people don’t realize that the sooner you move into senior living, the easier it is for them to remain as independent as possible while living the life they want to live in the final years of their lives.

Don’t wait until an emergency has already happened to start researching moving to senior living facilities.

Take the time to determine what requirements and amenities different communities have, and which level of care you or your loved one might need now.

When considering moving to a new place with other aging adults, there is a concern about loss of independence and control. However, in some circumstances, it is the safest and healthiest place for everyone. If you are close to an older adult and there is a concern about safety and health, it is time to do some investigation, because if they stay, there may be double trouble.

Signs that may indicate it’s time for Assisted Living

• Recent falls
• Difficulty with walking, balance, and mobility
• Chronic or worsening health problems
• Difficulty managing medications
• Problems completing activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Poor eating habits or weight loss
• Hygiene problems
• New or worsening mobility issues
• Decreased driving competency
• Inability to manage a home or yard upkeep
• Pets seem neglected
• Your loved one gets lost or disoriented outside of the home
• Changes in mood or aggressive behavior
• They seem unhappy
• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
• They’ve begun to isolate themselves
• Diagnosis of dementia or early onset Alzheimer’s
• They don’t have access to a supportive community or regular visits from loved ones
• Friends or neighbors have expressed concerns
• Their current caregiver is suffering from burnout

Assisted Living Helps Promote Independence and Happier Living

There are so many stigmas against senior living facilities, giving the false idea that living in a senior living facility will take away from the independence and quality of life of seniors.

And that’s simply not true.

 The right senior living facility will not only promote health and happiness, but will help you, or your loved one, live your best life, even in the later years.

SpringBrook Community of Onalaska offers a full continuum of care from Independent Living, Assisted Living, and High Acuity, to Memory Care.  We understand that making the transition to Assisted Living may be one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. Our mission is to provide our residents with a comfortable home environment where they can maintain their independence with dignity, privacy, respect, and safety.