The aging process impacts everyone differently. It is not uncommon to find that your parent’s health and lifestyle needs change as they get older. While some seniors may require full-time care in an assisted living community, it’s not always the case that both parents will require this level of support.
Moving a loved one into an assisted living community is a difficult decision to navigate to begin with. This can be heightened if your parents are living together and only one parent needs the added support of assisted living. While it can be an incredibly difficult decision to separate loved ones, it is important to do what is best to support the health and well-being of both your parents.
If you find yourself facing this seemingly impossible situation, the best thing you can do is evaluate your options and discuss them as a family.
Communication Is Key
First and foremost, it’s essential to communicate with both parents and any other family members who may be involved in the decision-making process.
This can be a challenging conversation to have, but it’s important to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that there is a clear understanding of the situation. It is also crucial to involve the parent that requires assisted living as much as possible in the decision-making process, as their preferences and needs should be taken into account.
Making the decision to move a loved one into an assisted living community can be very emotional. It’s important to provide emotional support to both parents throughout the process. It will be important to regularly check in with your parents and help them both adjust to their new living arrangements.
Evaluate the Care Needs of Each Parent
When only one parent requires the support of an assisted living community, it’s still important to assess and consider the care needs of both parents. This can be helpful to ensure that both parents receive the best possible care to meet their individual health and lifestyle needs.
For the parent who requires assisted living, a comprehensive assessment of their physical and mental health, mobility, and daily living needs will be necessary. This can help identify the level of care required and ensure that the assisted living community you chose is equipped to provide the necessary support.
For the other parent, an assessment may also be beneficial to identify any areas where they may require additional support. This can help ensure that they are not overwhelmed by the responsibilities of potentially living alone and that they receive the support they need to maintain their own health and well-being.
Depending on the other parent’s needs, they may also benefit from the amenities and services that a senior living community can provide. Many communities offer a range of lifestyle options to accommodate the unique needs of every senior.
Senior living lifestyle options may include:
- Independent living
- Assisted living
- Memory care
- Respite care
An independent living community can be a great option for seniors looking to maintain some independence while having access to services and amenities that make things like meal planning, cleaning, and socializing easier.
Consider Location & Amenities
When only one parent requires assisted living, it’s important to consider the location and amenities of the community you are planning to move them into. Ideally, the community should be located close to the other parent’s home, so they can easily visit and provide support as needed.
It may also be beneficial to choose a community that offers a range of amenities and activities to keep both parents engaged and active. This can help ensure that the other parent remains socially connected and doesn’t feel isolated.
Consider Your Budget
Assisted living can be a worthwhile investment in your loved one’s health and quality of life, and it’s important to evaluate the financial implications of such an important decision carefully. Consider the cost of the community, as well as any additional expenses, such as transportation or medical expenses.
With that being said, the cost of living at home can also be substantial for seniors, especially if your loved one requires frequent medical care.
Consult Legal & Financial Professionals
Seeking professional guidance can help make your loved one’s transition into a senior living community easier.
When only one parent requires assisted living, it’s especially important to involve legal and financial professionals in the decision-making process. This can help ensure that all necessary legal and financial considerations are taken into account and that the best interests of your parents are protected.
For example, legal professionals can assist with creating a power of attorney or health care proxy to ensure that the parent who requires assisted living has a designated person to make important decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so themselves.
Financial professionals can help evaluate the financial implications of the decision and identify any available resources to help cover the costs of care.
Making the Move
While it can be challenging to navigate the decision to move a loved one to an assisted living community, it’s important to remember that the decision is ultimately about ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of your loved one. By carefully considering all of the important factors involved, you can make an informed decision that provides the best possible care for both parents.
At Serenity South Senior Living, we provide our assisted living residents with the personalized care and services that they need to experience the most out of life. Contact our team to learn more about how we can support your family.
