Frequently Asked Questions
The average person doesn’t know much about assisted living homes until they need to find one for a friend or family member. This leads to many important questions. Many myths and misinformation surround the industry. It’s important to separate fact from fiction when looking for a place for an aging loved one to call home.
The image of the “old people’s home” from 20 or 30 years ago does not reflect the living environments provided to today’s seniors. Life is good at reputable facilities that offer quality care.
The following FAQ can help you find answers to some of the most pressing questions people ask when they need to find assisted living accommodations. If you have questions that are not answered here, let us know. We are happy to discuss your concerns or provide insight into what life is like at Tuscan Place.
How Do I Know if it is Time to Move a Loved One into an Assisted Living Facility?
It can be easy to miss the early signs that a loved one needs more help in their daily life. One of the first indicators is when a person starts to have trouble managing their medication on their own. They may miss doses, drop pills while trying to take them, or become confused about when and how much medicine to take.
Other signs can include poor decision-making, frequent falls, not eating a healthy diet or not eating enough, and not drinking enough to stay hydrated. Lack of hydration can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs). If your loved one starts to have UTIs, this could be a sign that they are not drinking enough fluids.
How Do I Bring Up the Topic of Assisted Living with an Aging Loved One?
This can be a delicate topic for some people, especially if they are still living with outdated ideas of what assisted living is like for seniors. Elderly people who visited their grandparents or parents in a nursing home may be put off or afraid after seeing those environments long ago. This isn’t the same as modern assisted living.
Before you approach the subject, create a list of the signs that it is time to make the move. Sit down with your loved one and calmly go over your list in detail. Express your concerns. You shouldn’t make demands or tell them something is wrong with them. Instead, express that you are worried about their health and wellbeing and want the best for them.
Next, it can be helpful to pay a visit to an assisted living home, preferably around lunchtime. Let your loved one see what life is really like in a facility. They can talk with others and learn about their circumstances and the community. They may even make new friends as they meet their peers.
How Much Do Seniors Need to Downsize Before Moving into Assisted Living?
In most cases, assisted living accommodations will be smaller than where your loved one lives now, especially if they own their own home. Larger facilities provide more communal spaces to encourage socialization. That will mean significant downsizing, depending on the size of your loved one’s current home.
You should personalize your loved one’s room or apartment. We suggest taking photos of their current living space and using those to find inspiration for decorating their new accommodations.
For example, you could bring some artwork or smaller furniture items from their current home to their new place. Try to choose their favorite pieces. You may even be able to bring bigger items, like their bed.
A professional moving company can assist with downsizing and may provide additional services to liquidate items that won’t be making the transition.
Should I Visit Often Immediately After My Loved One Makes the Move?
You should plan to visit often after your loved one makes the transition into assisted living. This will help reassure them that they haven’t been abandoned and you still love them.
Each situation is unique, so you should consider individual need. For example, you may want to wait to visit if your loved one has dementia. This gives them time to adjust to their new surroundings. Speak with a caregiver or doctor for further information on when and how often you should visit.
What Can I Do to Help My Loved One Transition and Feel at Home?
Aside from decorating their room, you can also introduce some plants to add beauty and greenery to the space. If your loved one is capable, they can water the plant and care for it, which will give them a sense of purpose.
You can also buy or bring an extra chair for their room, so they have a seat for guests who stop by. If there isn’t space for another piece of furniture, bring a folding chair that can easily be tucked away behind something, under a bed, or in a closet.
