You’ve probably imagined the moment when your loved ones’ circumstances change, and they won't be able to manage their own care anymore. Whatever the event or emergency that ushers in the need for caregiving, you may find yourself on a journey into the unknown.
At Willow Brook, we understand how challenging it is to explore the possibility that your mom or dad might need to make the move to an assisted living community or might need extra support.
That's why we've planned a free, informative lecture, "Are You Ready? Caring for Mom & Dad" on Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. at Willow Brook at Delaware Run in Delaware, Ohio. National eldercare expert Barbara McVicker will guide you through steps to create a plan for your loved ones. To register, call 740-201-5789.
And if you can't make the workshop, you can do research on your own. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately one million older adults reside at an assisted living community. These communities enable people to live independently and provide help with daily living activities.
As the Baby Boomer population continues to age, this number is expected to rise over the next decade and beyond.
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach for how to prepare for assisted living, there are things you can do today to make the transition easier for you and your loved ones. Let’s explore together.
If you’re wondering how best to prepare for assisted living, planning early will pay off down the road – saving you time, money and stress. All too often, though, people wait until a medical emergency forces them to take action. This is far from the ideal time to start exploring assisted living options for your parents. Not sure how to get started? These four tips can help you.
Think About Current and Future Health Needs
Even if your parents are doing well on their own today, it’s important to have a plan should things change. For example, if mobility becomes a problem, you may need to make modifications to your parents’ home so they can remain safe and independent. Or, if your parents are struggling with the basic activities of daily living – dressing, bathing, or medication management – you’ll need to make arrangements to ensure they get the support they need.
If you decide that an assisted living community is the best fit for your parents and your family, do all the research you can up front. Visit websites, read testimonials from current residents or talk to people in your community who have personal experience with the communities you are considering. Most importantly, schedule a tour of your favorite options. Touring an assisted living community is the only way to truly get a sense for what life is like and whether or not your parents will feel at home.
Whether you and your parents decide to downsize to an apartment, modify the current home or transition to a senior living residence, all will entail levels of added expenses. For some families, enlisting help from a financial planner helps them get a firmer understanding of their current financial situation, as well as a strategic plan for setting aside the funds they expect to need later on.
We all want to feel like we’re in control of our own destinies. This is why it’s important to make these decisions together with your parents and other family members. Try to understand and respect your parents’ wishes and collaborate together on a solution that makes everyone feel comfortable and heard. Remember, change will always be hard for some people, but starting the process early gives your loved ones more time to process the situation and come to peace with the next chapter of life.
When it comes to helping your parents transition to an assisted living community, it’s important that all parties are heard and respected. At Willow Brook, we offer quality assisted living services so that every resident has an opportunity to live a vibrant, purposeful life where independence is encouraged. To learn more about how we can help you plan ahead for your parents, contact us today. Our friendly counselors are here to answer your questions so you can make a more informed decision for the future.
