Deciding when to move a loved one to assisted living is never easy.
As a primary caregiver—whether an adult child or a devoted spouse—you’ve likely been doing everything possible to keep your loved one comfortable at home.
After all, home is where the heart is, filled with memories and familiarity, especially during the holiday season. But sometimes, the most caring and responsible decision is recognizing when additional support is needed to ensure their safety, health, and happiness.
At The Kensington Redondo Beach, we understand the weight of this decision. This guide is designed to help you recognize the signs that it might be time to consider assisted living and how our community can support you and your loved one during this transition.
Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
Recognizing the signs: When to move to assisted living
By understanding the signs that a transition may be necessary and having open conversations with your loved one and healthcare professionals, you can make an informed decision that ensures their best interests are met.
Ensure the best outcome for everyone involved by:
- Including your loved one in the conversation
- Transitioning before the need is urgent
If you notice the symptoms and occurrences we list below happening more frequently, plan a calm discussion in a comfortable place with your loved one and voice your concerns. Involve other family members or professionals as needed.
Highlight the benefits of assisted living to your loved one and remind them that you aren’t going anywhere; you just want to keep their best interests in mind.
Remember that the more symptoms worsen, the more difficult it will be to transition. Discuss a plan with your loved one(s) soon after observing the following.
1. Frequent falls and safety concerns
If your loved one has experienced multiple falls or close calls, it’s a serious red flag. Falls are a leading cause of injury among seniors and can lead to fractures, hospitalizations, or worse.
Assisted living communities such as The Kensington Redondo Beach are designed with senior safety in mind, including handrails, non-slip flooring, adequate lighting, and professionals available 24/7 to assist with mobility.
By moving to a safer environment, and especially before their mobility gets worse, you can help prevent devastating accidents before they happen.
2. Declining nutrition and weight loss
Have you noticed that your loved one is losing weight, skipping meals, or relying on unhealthy snacks?
Poor nutrition can weaken an individual’s immune system, exacerbate health conditions, and lead to fatigue or dizziness, increasing the risk of falling and other injuries.
In assisted living, residents enjoy nutritious, chef-prepared meals tailored to their dietary needs, ensuring they receive the proper nourishment to stay healthy and energized.
3. Difficulty managing medications
Managing multiple medications can be confusing at any age, but for seniors, it can be overwhelming and potentially dangerous. Missing doses or taking the wrong medication can lead to serious health complications.
Assisted living communities provide medication management services, where trained healthcare professionals ensure that medications are taken correctly and on schedule.
4. Neglecting personal hygiene and grooming
If your loved one struggles with bathing, dressing, or other personal hygiene tasks, it may be a sign they need more support. You might notice they wear the same clothes repeatedly, have unkempt hair, dirty fingernails, or neglect oral care.
In assisted living, compassionate caregivers assist with activities of daily living while respecting your loved one’s dignity and independence.
5. Caregiver burnout
As a caregiver, your well-being is just as important. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or unable to provide the level of care your loved one needs, it’s time to consider additional support.
Caregiver burnout can lead to physical and emotional health issues, which can affect both you and your loved one.
By transitioning to assisted living, you can focus on nurturing your relationship rather than managing daily care tasks. This allows you to enjoy quality time together without the stress and strain of full-time caregiving.
6. Increased isolation and loneliness
Mobility issues, loss of friends, or no longer driving can limit their ability to stay connected, sometimes leading to loneliness or depression.
Assisted living communities offer a highly social environment with activities, events, and common areas where residents can build friendships and engage in meaningful conversations. This sense of community can greatly enhance their quality of life.
7. Worsening medical conditions
Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and progressive conditions such as Parkinson’s or ALS will, at some point, necessitate professional care and monitoring.
Neurological diseases and progressive conditions often require such a level of care that assisted living becomes a necessary option, as it is nearly unavoidable for maintaining quality of life.
Alternatively, families can hire in-home aides, but this option may cost nearly three times as much as moving into an assisted living community, making the latter a more financially sensible choice in many cases.
8. Difficulty maintaining the home
Managing a household can become overwhelming for seniors. Stacks of unopened mail, unpaid bills, clutter, or neglected maintenance are signs that they may need assistance.
Assisted living alleviates these burdens by handling housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance. Your loved one can enjoy a clean, comfortable living space without upkeep.
The Kensington Club: a step toward comfort
We understand that the idea of moving to assisted living can be daunting for both you and your loved one.
That’s why The Kensington Redondo Beach offers The Kensington Club our unique program for current assisted living residents.
Consistent exposure to our nurturing environment allows your loved one to experience the benefits firsthand, easing the potential transition to full-time residency and making it a smoother, more comfortable process.
What Is The Kensington Club?
- Your loved one enjoys activities and meals with us, freeing you for other tasks.
- We offer stimulating programs like arts, music therapy, and gentle exercises.
- Community involvement reduces isolation and enhances mood and cognition.
- Our experienced team ensures safety and comprehensive care.
The Kensington Redondo Beach: a loving assisted living community
Make the responsible choice for your loved one’s future by scheduling a free tour at The Kensington Redondo Beach, a memory care and assisted living community.
Discover how our personalized care plans, luxurious amenities, exceptional dining, and engaging programs create a supportive and enriching home for your loved one.
Experience the comfort and enjoyment our community offers firsthand, and let us help you take the first step toward peace of mind.
Contact The Kensington Redondo Beach team today to explore how our compassionate team and beautiful setting can ease the transition to assisted living.