When is the Right Time for Assisted Living/Long-Term Care?

No one teaches us how to get older. It just happens. Sometimes, age and infirmity sneak up on us. And, for some of us, assisted living or long-term care becomes the only option.  Averaging at nearly $10,000 dollars per month for long term care, a lifetime of savings can vanish sooner than expected. Careful consideration of assisted living or long-term care is necessary. The decision to place a family member in an assisted living facility is often difficult for families. Many people have understandable fears and concerns about assisted living or long-term care.

One of the biggest fears is the loss of personal freedom. People worry they won’t be able to make their own decisions, live their life the way they want, or have the same autonomy they enjoyed before. Some individuals feel guilty about needing help, thinking that they are burdening their family or loved ones by moving into assisted living. This can be particularly difficult if they have always been the ones providing support to others. We often hear that people fear they will be treated like they're no longer capable or valuable, leading to a loss of dignity or respect. Others fear being surrounded by strangers and worry they will lose touch with friends or family and become isolated or disconnected.

Leaving home—where someone has lived for years or even decades—can be a daunting thought. The comfort of familiar routines and surroundings can make the idea of moving feel very unsettling. People may worry that assisted living may not provide the kind of specialized care they need, especially if they have complex medical conditions or progressive illnesses like dementia.

While these fears are natural, it’s important to know that many modern assisted living communities focus on offering a comfortable, supportive, and enriching environment. They can also offer a higher level of personalized care than people might expect.

Deciding when to consider assisted living is a complex and personal decision, but there are some indications of when it is time to ask for help: 

1.     If a family member is experiencing health concerns like frequent falls, memory issues, or other health problems that impact their ability to care for themselves, it may be time to think about assisted living.

2.     If a family member is struggling with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, or managing medications, assisted living can provide the support needed to maintain independence while ensuring safety.

3.     If a family member is becoming isolated and no longer participating in social activities, assisted living communities can provide a more active and engaging environment.

4.     If family members or caregivers are feeling overwhelmed by the demands of providing care, it might be time to explore assisted living/long term care to ease the burden.

5.     For those experiencing significant memory loss, cognitive decline, or changes in mood, assisted living facilities can offer specialized care and activities to support mental well-being.

6.     If maintaining the home becomes difficult or personal hygiene is neglected, assisted living can help keep up with these tasks.

It’s always a good idea to have open conversations with the person involved, their doctor, and family members to ensure the decision is made thoughtfully and with everyone's best interests in mind. After living a life of independence and self-sufficiency, it is hard to ask for help. But, getting the care one needs will increase a person’s quality of life.

Lubnau Law can help with future estate and financial planning, and work to qualify you or your family member for government benefits. (307) 682-1313.