Is Assisted Living Right for You? Questions to Ask Yourself

Are you or a loved one challenged with daily tasks such as bathing safely or getting dressed? Has shopping and preparing healthy meals become more difficult? Is the current home in need of an extensive renovation to create an accessible and age-friendly residence?

These are only a few senior living questions older adults may find themselves asking as they create – and navigate – a quality life.

An assisted living community is one solution offering positive responses to meet senior living needs. But is it right for you or a loved one?

Senior Living Questions to Ask: Is Assisted Living the Right Choice?

Consider the answers to the following questions for guidance in making the best decision.

1. Is the existing home accessible?

It’s hard to live your best life if your home isn’t age-friendly. Primary senior living questions to ask? Are there steps and stairs to navigate? Are the bathrooms, hallways and doorways wide enough to accommodate assistive equipment?

A residence in assisted living is accessible and ready to be personalized to make it home.

2. Is there access to help when needed?

Another decision-driving senior living question for many families is whether they are able to provide the additional help that may now be needed. It might be difficult to meet the increasing needs of a loved one and exchange the role of family member for caregiver.

An assisted living community includes a trained staff to provide the helping hand that a loved one might need.

3. Has safety and security declined?

As the years pass, we may begin feeling less safe and secure, either in the home or the neighborhood. There might also be increased anxiety about what would happen if an injury or illness occurred while home alone.

One of the greatest benefits of assisted living is the reassurance that help is always available. Security features are typically provided in both the community and personal residences.

<LP: https://info.milestoneretirement.com/family-decision-toolkit-guide >

4. Is loneliness becoming more frequent?

Loneliness and social isolation can become two of the bigger risks to physical and cognitive health as we grow older. A serious senior living question to consider is whether it has become more challenging to socially interact with others.

Another advantage of an assisted living community is the ease of meeting new residents. Friendships are quickly created at the many activities and events provided.

5. Is transportation a challenge?

Eventually, most older adults give up driving, but this can also begin creating a higher risk for isolation. It may become easier to remain at home if there are few transportation options.

It’s essential to ask the senior living question of how a loved one will be able to stay engaged. The advantage of an assisted living community is the scheduled transportation to medical appointments, shopping and entertainment.

6. Is a helping hand needed to prepare meals?

Another activity that can become more challenging is healthy dining. Families often find themselves concerned that their loved one is instead substituting snacks or skipping meals altogether.

An assisted living community answers the senior living question of whether a loved one is eating healthy – by providing delicious menu selections, meeting any dietary restrictions and offering the benefits of social interaction.

7. Are the days filled with activities and social events?

Remaining active is key to living and aging well but this can also become more difficult as the years pass. The senior living question to ask is whether there are stimulating activities and opportunities to remain engaged in life?

If the answer is no, or boredom is beginning to set in, there are increased risks to health. Assisted living communities provide a monthly calendar of events so there is something of interest for everyone.

8. Are wellness goals being met?

Becoming sedentary may unfortunately be a common circumstance for many older adults. While it can also be more challenging to find opportunities to keep the body and mind in shape, it’s important to make this goal a priority.

Ask yourself the senior living question of whether an assisted living community might be the right choice as they provide fitness centers or classes to help their residents achieve physical and mental well-being.

Life at a Milestone Community

If you’re looking at options for retirement living, we invite your family to visit one of our Milestone communities – designed to support your loved ones to live their highest quality of life.

We offer studio and one-bedroom private apartments for our assisted living residents as well as private or shared memory care suites for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Our memory care residents are cared for by our compassionate and specially trained team – who meet them wherever they are in their journey with patience and kindness. The residents also have access to customized activities, programs and an elevated secured courtyard.

Our amenities and services encourage our residents in assisted living to engage with others, remain as independent as possible and be reassured that help is available whenever needed.

In addition to our personalized services, we offer:

· Chef-prepared meals

· Full-service dining room and bistro/bar

· Clubroom with large screen and theater style seating

· Family gathering room

· Rooftop courtyard including outdoor kitchen and firepit

· Resident accessible chef’s kitchen garden

· Senior-inspired fitness center

· Hair and nail salon

· Resident-shared laundry rooms

· Elegantly designed common areas

· 24-hour on-duty care staff

· Scheduled transportation

· Secured community

· Direct access to adjoining walking paths and parks

If your family is considering retirement living, we hope you will visit one of our communities. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions. Please contact us with any questions you may have or to arrange a personal tour.

We also invite you to download our complimentary Family Decision Toolkit.