Differing levels of care in elderly couples can bring on the decision for a big change – the transition to a senior living community.
Your elderly parents have always worked as a team ever since you can remember. It was an aspect of their relationship you’ve always admired. Your dad would handle every car breakdown, and mom made the best comforting meals. A balance was maintained all through their life together, but there comes a time when elderly couples will find health changes at different speeds than one another.
With many big life changes, there is a lot of uncertainty. When you see your senior loved ones having a harder time managing their home on their own and taking proper care of themselves, it can be a matter of putting their health at the forefront of the decision.
The Right Time
Oftentimes, seniors will show a hesitance towards even early research of options for senior communities or care. But when one half of the couple is showing signs of memory loss, or the need for more advanced care, it can be more than the other spouse can handle on their own.
“It’s not the right time,” or “We’re doing just fine,” are not uncommon responses when you suggest to your loved ones that they should start considering the move. What’s important to understand is that while they may say they are doing okay on their own, there are options available to them that are significantly more worth looking into so they can be more than, “just fine.”
Senior living communities can provide more than just the assistance and ease that they need for daily life, but other benefits such as:
- Increased socialization. Residents are within the same age range, and can have a lot to share with one another. The stories and experiences they’ve had over the years are ones they can share and grow familiarity with. Friends are there to be met, just outside their door.
Communities host events and various activities that they may not otherwise partake in. Memory care and assisted living at Kensington have a full calendar every month, so there’s never a dull moment!
- Better nutrition. While your senior loved ones may have the most time-cherished recipes that can span over generations of expertise, the homemade meals can be a little more work than they feel necessary. With time being spent taking care of their spouse, the quality of meal preparation may be put on the back burner.
If you are noticing weight loss in either of the two, that is especially a cause for concern. This can mean they are not providing enough of the nutrition they need. The Kensington provides a dining menu that not only contributes to a healthy balanced diet, but fulfilled taste buds as well.
- More smiles, more happiness. Most elderly couples won’t want to admit that caring for their spouse with memory loss is a burden, but the caretaker will notice an improvement in their overall mood and happiness when the stress is taken off their shoulders, and the opportunity for more quality time together becomes routine. Focusing instead on making real joyful memories together, like they always have, can be more available to them. Things like a stroll on a nice day or simply sharing each other’s company, without as much worry, can become the norm.
It’s never too early to sit down with your senior loved ones and start the discussion on a possible transition to a senior living community. When memory loss affects one of the spouses, it can be a life altering situation. The onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia impacts more than just the individual receiving the diagnosis.
The biggest concern in elderly couples with differing levels of care, is the possibility of separation. At The Kensington, our solution is simple – we welcome both of them to make our home their home, together. We offer support that will meet the needs unique to each couple, while also preserving the familiarity of comfortable routine.
Get in touch with us today if you want to know how we care for senior couples in need of assisted living, memory care or differing levels of care. We promise to love and care for our family as we do our own, and hope we can help provide your loved ones the comfort and support they need. We honor the uniqueness of couples, and strive to provide a space that feels like home to not just them, but the friends and family who come to visit!
Further Reading:
Memory loss is life changing for all involved. At The Kensington, we provide a state-of-the-art memory care program, a higher staff-to-resident ratio than industry standards, and more advanced care services. Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
For additional resources regarding your loved one’s condition, please read on about our Memory Care, Alzheimer’s Care and Dementia Care.