Making the move to assisted living is a major life transition—for both your loved one and your family. It can stir up feelings of uncertainty and anxiety, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Whether it’s a carefully considered choice or a response to an urgent need, at Willow Brook Christian Communities, we make it easy for families and their loved ones to seamlessly transition into this new stage of life.
If you need to find an assisted living community in Columbus for your loved one quickly, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Here’s what you should know:
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living provides necessary support with activities of daily living (ADLs) — basic self-care tasks such as medication management, hygiene, grooming, dressing, toileting, and mobility.
This level of care enables seniors to maintain as much independence as possible while continuing to engage in hobbies, activities, and social connections in retirement. At the same time, family members gain peace of mind knowing their loved ones are safe, secure, and supported.
Is it the right time to move your loved one into assisted living? Here are a few signs to look for:
1. You Worry About Leaving Your Loved One Alone
If you are constantly worrying about whether your loved one is able to manage in their home alone, it may be time to consider an assisted living community where they’ll receive daily support and care.
2. Difficulty Performing Daily Tasks
There may come a point when you notice your loved one is struggling with daily tasks, such as personal hygiene, appropriate dress, using the restroom, or preparing simple meals. These are clear signs that they could use extra help and care.
3. It’s Challenging to Upkeep the Home
As someone gets older, once-easy chores like making the bed, doing laundry or dishes, vacuuming, and taking out the trash can become unmanageable. In assisted living, these tasks are handled, so your loved one can focus on enjoying their retirement.
4. Mismanaging Medication
Worried about your loved one forgetting to take their medication—or accidentally taking too many doses? The nurses on staff in assisted living facilities ensure medications are taken safely and on time, so you and your loved one can have peace of mind.
5. Your Loved One is Overcome by Loneliness
When getting out of the house is difficult, and visits from family and friends become less frequent, many seniors experience loneliness and isolation. In fact, research shows that loneliness can be as harmful to one’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Assisted living communities provide endless opportunities for seniors to form new friendships, grow their social circles, and engage in the hobbies and activities they love. Being surrounded by friends can help seniors live healthier, happier lives.
6. Needs Exceed What You Can Provide
There may come a time when your loved one has care needs that you can’t manage on your own, even with a network of caregivers. Assisted living eases that burden, helping prevent potential burnout and resentment among family caregivers.
7. Home Has Become Hazardous
Bathtubs that require someone to step over a ledge, slippery flooring, electrical cords that pose tripping hazards—all of these can make your loved one’s home difficult and dangerous to navigate.
Assisted living facilities are thoughtfully designed with accessible features such as nonslip flooring, bright lighting, handrails, and wide walkways and doorways for wheelchairs and walkers.
8. A Doctor Recommends Care
If your loved one’s physician suggests it’s time to move into assisted living, take their guidance seriously. Moving into assisted living sooner rather than later can be one of the best decisions you make for your loved one’s safety, health, and quality of life.
Ideally, families will decide to transition a senior loved one to assisted living proactively—before a health or safety event occurs. However, life doesn’t always go according to plan.
When an emergency happens—such as a fall, health incident, or even a car accident—finding the right care quickly becomes a priority. Overnight, it may become clear that your loved one can no longer live alone at home safely.
Willow Brook offers the expert guidance families need to navigate these scenarios and find the right fit for your loved one, whether it’s assisted living, short-term rehab care, or another type of senior living. While crisis moves are never ideal, we’re here to help you stay calm and make a confident decision, even in tough situations.
Why Willow Brook?
At Willow Brook, our caregivers provide the daily support your loved one needs to balance their independence and well-being. We offer all private rooms with 24-hour nursing services, including medication administration. Meals and snacks are provided, as well as housekeeping and laundry services to make daily living easy.
If you’ve decided it’s time to explore local assisted living options, contact us today to schedule a tour of one of our three assisted living communities — two in Delaware, Ohio, and one in Columbus (near Worthington).
