Looking at Assisted Living
Today was a landmark day in our family. We looked at our first assisted living facility.
When I arrived at Mom’s, I suggested that we might want to begin looking at what’s available in her town for the next step. She was quite resistant, but I pressed a bit. I’ve been concerned as I’ve talked to her on the phone, and after my brother’s last visit, he emailed to day that he was getting more concerned about her ability to live alone. So, I decided to broach the unbroachable. I kept it low-key. Let’s just look. No commitments. No contracts. Let’s just see what the options are so that I won’t have to make a sudden decision without her input. She finally agreed and I was able to make one appointment for today and one for tomorrow.
Before we went, I read and printed a comprehensive Consumer Checklist from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living. Although I didn’t refer to it while we were there, it was very helpful to have read in advance.
Both facilities I called invited us to come for a meal. The director took us on a tour of the facility, and then we enjoyed a light supper in the dining room. We had no staff with us during dinner, so I got bold. I went over to the next table asked the ladies how they liked the facility. They were very gracious and gave me what sounded like an honest assessment –good points and bad points.
Tomorrow we go to another facility. It’s hard to think of Mom living in one room. She’s not there now. I pray she never will be. But I’m preparing for the worst. Preparing is a good thing.
How are you preparing?
Photo Credit: PicApp.com
Labels: aging parents, assisted living, decision-making
Monday, December 29, 2008
Knowing When to Consider Assisted Living
Accent on Seniors published an article titled "How Do You Know When It’s Time to Consider a Move to Assisted Living for Your Elderly Parent(s)?” Since I expect to need this information in 2009, I found it very helpful. Here are some questions they suggest asking as indicators. Are your aging parents:Eating nutritiously? Losing weight? Is there fresh food in the house?
Are the bills paid on time? Are they able to maintain their finances and keep records in order?
Experiencing falls and/or bruising?
Experiencing episodes of marked mental confusion? Has there been a wandering incident?
Not getting dressed all day? Depressed? Personality changes?
Lacking in social interest, isolation and/or a loss of interest in friends or favorite activities?
Is one parent overwhelmed as the primary caregiver for the other? If so, is his parent equipped both mentally and physically? Does that other parent have a caregiver to relieve them at times?
Labels: aging parents, assisted living