Deciding whether senior living is right for you or your loved one can be overwhelming. There are many factors to consider, like finances, care services, socialization opportunities, safety, and more. Fortunately, there are questions you can ask that will help make the decision easier.
We’ll sort through the decision-making process in this blog and provide tips on how to weigh the pros and cons of senior living.
Assessing Your Current Living Situation
When considering senior living, it’s important to start with your current living situation. Specifically, you’ll want to assess what’s working and what isn’t.
You’ll also need to think about who is willing and available to help you with activities that aren’t going smoothly. Keep these four questions in mind during your assessment:
- Is it working?
- Is it not working?
- Does the family want to manage?
- Should we get outside help?
Consider the following everyday needs when evaluating your current living situation:
- Meals and nutrition
- Transportation
- Socialization
- Personal care
- Medication management
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Home maintenance
- Finance management
- Safety and security
- Caregiver stress
Related: Spot the Signs – Is it Time for a Loved One to Move to Senior Living? >>
Considering What Is Most Important to You or Your Loved One
Once you assess your current needs, it’s time to weigh what is most important to you or your loved one. Everyone involved in the decision-making process should be part of the discussion. This will help spark collaboration and ensure everyone feels valued and heard.
Here are five central values to focus on when considering senior living:
- Lifestyle, including amenities, socialization, and choices
- Care and wellness opportunities
- Safety and security
- Location
- Price
Do your best to rank the values in order of what is most important to you or your loved one. This will help you better understand what to look for in a senior living community.
Preparing to Discuss Senior Living with Your Loved One
If you need to discuss senior living options with your loved one, you’ll want to set aside time to prepare your thoughts. Moving at any age is stressful, but it can be especially emotional for older adults.
Change is hard, particularly when you’re leaving a home where you feel comfortable. You or your loved one may need to downsize and part with furniture and other items that evoke memories.
Moving to senior living is a significant and emotional decision, so discussions on the topic should be handled with care and empathy. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you prepare for the conversation:
- Write down talking points about why it may be time to consider senior living.
- Set aside time when you aren’t rushed and are free from distractions.
- Try to keep the tone casual and positive, asking for feedback and questions from your loved one.
- Avoid creating a plan for your loved one. Instead, encourage them to provide input and share their concerns.
- Acknowledge your loved one’s feelings, ensuring they are respected and heard.
Don’t be afraid to consult with professionals like your loved one’s physician, case manager, or financial advisor. Their advice can likely add value to the conversation, especially if your loved one trusts and respects their opinions.
Life at Golden Bell Senior Living
Ultimately, you want to ensure your loved one is safe and their daily needs are met. It’s important to prioritize their overall well-being so they experience a high quality of life while maintaining meaningful relationships with others.
Senior living communities like Golden Bell provide the comforts of home with the added benefits of supportive care, engaging activities, and a maintenance-free lifestyle. With your daily needs met, your loved one will live more independently and have opportunities to meet friends, discover new interests, and live each day to the fullest.
Golden Bell Senior Living, family-owned for over five decades, offers a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, and respite care. Residents have personalized care plans, are treated like family, and are greeted by name in a warm, welcoming environment.
Amenities and activities include:
- Beautiful accommodations
- Landscaped grounds and gardens
- Community outings
- Recreation and social activities
- Chef-prepared meals
- Scheduled transportation
- Beauty and barber shop
- Housekeeping and maintenance services
Please contact us to learn more about our communities or set up a tour. We’d love to hear from you and are happy to help answer any questions you have about senior living.
