Independent vs Assisted Living – When is it Time to Make the Move?

Maintaining independence for the beloved senior in your life is a topic that can often become a stressor for many families.  When faced with the tough question of, “what now?” as you begin to notice your loved one needing a bit of increased help with daily activities, it is important for families to be aware of all the available options to help make this transition easier. Is independent or assisted living the better option for your loved one?

What is assisted living?

You’ve probably heard the term assisted living before, but how do you know if it’s right for you and your favorite senior?  Let’s start by learning what exactly an assisted living facility is.  Many people may be surprised to learn that assisted living is a great way to allow your loved one to continue to be independent while receiving assistance with daily tasks in a home-like environment.  Daily tasks can include but are not limited to: cooking, cleaning, medication management, or physical assistance with mobility.  The most alluring part is that this can all be provided to your loved one in a place that does not feel like a facility. You’ll know they’re receiving the assistance they need and still enjoying a high quality of life.

What about independent living?

If you’ve heard about assisted living, odds are you’re also aware of independent living.  So, what’s the difference and which one is right for you? As you may guess from the name, independent living means your loved one is a bit more independent and only needing assistance with more strenuous tasks. These may include driving and running errands, doing laundry, and even housekeeping.  The bottom line is, if your loved one is requiring more assistance, an assisted living facility is able to provide that, while still allowing independence in a safe and comfortable environment.

My loved one has dementia, is assisted living the right choice?

Along with assisted living and independent living, there is another category of care tailored to those seniors who may have specific memory care needs.  A memory care facility is a type of living facility that offers specialized care to those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.  These facilities work to provide a safe environment while providing care tailored to the specific needs of this population.

Assisted living sounds appropriate for my loved one, now what?

Coming to the realization that your aging senior needs extra help can be a tough on all those involved. Mayberry Gardens can help guide you through this process.  To learn more about assisted living and the next steps for you and your loved one contact us for more information.