Is Assisted Living the Next Step?

Apr 16, 2024

do-your-parents-need-al-blog (1)Have you had a recent visit with your parent and noticed something not quite right? Maybe you noticed a change in their behavior, that they’re having more falls or illnesses lately, or their home is unusually untidy.

There can be a reasonable explanation for some of these changes, but it’s always good to be safe. Learn how you can assess your parent’s well-being and home safety and what steps you should take in determining if they are ready to move to an Assisted Living community like The Harbors at The Admiral at the Lake.

Recognizing the Signs

If you notice your parent acting unusual, the best first step is to assess how well they are taking care of themselves and if their home is still safe for them to live in.

Here are a few items to assess.

  • Does your parent usually keep a clean home but now seems untidy?
  • Is your parent having money trouble or constantly borrowing money?
  • Have you noticed any weight gain or weight loss?
  • Are there scorch marks on their pots and pans?
  • Has your parent had a recent fall?

Download a complete Home Safety and Well-Being Assessment Checklist here.

If the assessment shows that there is cause for concern, don’t alarm your parents immediately. There could be an explanation for their odd behavior. Maybe they are getting over an illness or trying a new medication that may have some side effects.

Casually ask your parents questions to investigate further. For example, ask your parent if they realize some food in their refrigerator is expired. If they don’t acknowledge that it is indeed expired, that can be a red flag.

Consider Senior Care Options

After you have completed your assessment checklist and investigated further, the next step is to consider what kind of help your parent needs.

In most cases, there are six options to consider. They range from a very minimal amount of assistance to needing a lot of help with everyday tasks.

  1. Independent Living is designed for active older adults who want to take advantage of community living and the amenities that come with it.
  2. Assisted Living is a continuum of long-term care that still promotes Independent Living but allows residents o receive help with daily tasks.
  3. At-home care allows your parent to stay in their own home and receive care from an adult child or at-home caregiver.
  4. Memory Support provides care for older adults who are suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
  5. Skilled Nursing provides care for older adults that only licensed nurses can provide.
  6. Continuing Care Retirement Communities combine Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support and Skilled Nursing all on one campus to eliminate the need to move around when needs arise.

Review these six options with your parent and determine which best fits their needs.

Make a Decision As Soon As Possible

If you determine that your parent does need Assisted Living, it’s best to move forward as quickly as possible. It’s an easier transition while they are still relatively healthy and can help make decisions for themselves.

If they are able to voice their opinions, it will make it easier for them to accept the decision. Waiting until their condition worsens not only causes stress to your parent but also adds stress to you.

Making a decision sooner also allows your parent to be involved in the moving process. Since they will be moving to a smaller home, their belongings will need to be downsized. Your parent can be involved with the downsizing process and the decisions on what to keep, what to give away and what to discard.

Learn More About Assisted Living

Your parents are your role models and have always taken great care of you. So it’s only natural that you want to do the same for them. Be sure to do all of your research and tour the communities that seem to be a good fit for your parent, and keep them involved if possible.

Would you like to learn more about assessing your parent’s well-being and living situation?

Receive more details about what you’ve learned in this blog by downloading our guide, “Do Your Parents Need Assisted Living?,” to learn more about home and well-being assessments, dealing with denial, and how Assisted Living can be beneficial for your parent.

Warning Signs or Normal Aging?


How can you tell if your parents need help? If so, what kind of help do they need?  Find the answers in our free informative guide, ‘Do My Parents Need AL?’

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