can be very daunting. After living alone for so many years, it may be a difficult decision to make after building a life in one place for such a long time. Family, house maintenance, and personal safety are all things to consider when making this important decision. It's always possible to reverse such a big decision, but it's less stressful to know that what you're doing is the right thing from the get-go. The following are some tips to help decide if assisted living is right for you.Can family and friends help?
If you are already receiving help from family and friends, you may be well enough staying in your own home with some adjustments for your comfort and safety. Unfortunately, sometimes there aren't many family members living close by and it's just too difficult to do it all on your own. The temptation may be to “wait it out” and see if things get better; but in these sorts of situations, it's always better to be proactive.
Talk to your family and friends to see if some may be able to drop by to assist you with some tasks around the home. Oftentimes, small adjustments like having someone help around the house or cook several meals a week is all that is needed. Don't be afraid to reach out to family or friends; the only way to explore these options is to ask.
Are you worried about your safety?
Are you worried about what may happen if you fell in the shower? Would you be able to get the help you needed in case of an emergency? Safety is a big concern for seniors with limited mobility. This is especially the case after sustaining any serious injury, such as a broken hip, or anything that might limit your ability to get to a place of safety. Using equipment such as a walker and wheelchair aren't always options, especially in older homes with more confined halls and doorways. Consider your mobility in making this decision. Just one accident after the age of 60 is a warning sign that you should be very careful. Injuries heal much more slowly in mature adults and should be heeded as caution to take preventative steps for the future.
Is Transportation Difficult?
During the 1950s and 1960s, many small towns suddenly increased exponentially in population. Especially in the Southwestern United States, cities exploded outward, fueled by the availability of cheaper vehicles. This means that cities are more spread out than ever. Public transportation has yet to catch up and is not as accessible as in the East. If you are unable to drive or cannot afford a taxi getting around could be a very good reason to think about an elder care facility. Trips to the grocery store, doctor, and elsewhere are necessary but nearly impossible without a reliable form of transportation. Mobility issues can make this even tougher by making access to buses and other forms of public transit less convenient.
The above questions are designed to get you thinking about basic necessities that, in the past, were non-issues but should now be thought out. Where there's a will there's a way and moving into an elder care facility isn't the only option for seniors who have difficulties associated with aging. However, the amenities of an assisted living complex can also be very inviting and big stress-relievers. Maintaining a home may just be too much work to keep living alone. There is also the companionship that comes in living close to similar folks. Keep an open mind when asking these questions and you'll be sure to find a solution that works for you.
