Lakewood Assisted Living offers many benefits for seniors, such as access to an exclusive, close-knit community, frequent engagement in creative activities, and enhanced healthcare support and comfort. However, asking, “What is the best age for assisted living?” can be difficult, as the right time for a senior to take this next step can be unclear. By understanding factors that can influence the decision, loved ones can help decide when it is right to make the move.

Common Ages for Transition to Assisted Living

There is no definitive age that indicates when an individual should go to assisted living. Other factors in addition to age, including challenges with mobility, issues with physical and mental health, and the need to have a meaningful community, typically drive the move to assisted living. However, it’s important to note that those in their late 70s or early 80s generally start to think about moving into assisted living due to various reasons.

Those who are older than their mid-80s may have an additional need for support with everyday activities and additional healthcare-related needs. Therefore, individuals in this age group may commonly transition to assisted living to receive more personalized and attentive care that meets their evolving needs.

Reasons Why Individuals Decide to Transition to Assisted Living

When individuals are considering moving themselves or a loved one to assisted living, the decision may be influenced by the following factors:

  • Risks of accidents. As the ability to move around decreases, the risk of getting in an accident or falling may increase, which can lead to disastrous circumstances. The safe environments associated with assisted living facilities and staff can help individuals move around more effectively. This is a beneficial factor that often influences those with decreased mobility to transition to assisted living.
  • Need for daily support. As aging can come with more difficulty in carrying out daily activities, such as cooking, cleaning, and bathing, it can be useful to move to assisted living, as staff on hand can frequently provide support for such tasks.
  • Chronic health conditions. People who are working to manage their chronic health conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease, may find it overwhelming and time-consuming to keep up with their health. Assisting living settings can provide key healthcare support to ensure the safety of residents. This is often an attractive reason for individuals to transition.
  • Challenges with cognitive functions. For seniors who are dealing with an onset of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, it can be appealing to move to assisted living. These facilities can provide activities to train cognitive functionality and successfully manage such conditions.
  • Mental health decline. As aging has been shown to come with a myriad of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, it can be useful to move to assisted living, where a supportive environment is available. Assisted living can provide key aids, such as mental health professionals and a strong community, to help them deal with these challenges.
  • Loneliness. If the individual is currently living in a situation in which they are not connected to a community or social network, assisted living can provide a key opportunity to find others with whom they are comfortable. Therefore, individuals may decide to move to assisted living to combat isolation.

In some cases, an elder’s caregivers may decide that they are becoming overwhelmed with meeting the physical, mental, and emotional needs of that senior, or they may not have adequate resources to support them. This is a common factor that influences the transition to assisted living.

FAQs

Q: At What Age Do Most Seniors Need Special Care?

A: Although it is difficult to determine an exact age when most seniors begin to require assistance with their daily activities, more support may generally be needed from their 60s to their 80s. In addition to age, factors influencing the need for special care include physical and mental health conditions as well as the ability to move around. A medical professional can also help you understand whether it is time for a loved one to receive additional support.

Q: How Long Do Most People Live in Assisted Living?

A: The length of time that people may spend in assisted living is difficult to pinpoint due to a lack of data. However, factors influencing how long a person may stay in assisted living include:

  • Their existing physical and mental health condition
  • The amount of care they need
  • Personal details associated with their case

While some individuals may only need to stay for a short period of time, others may be in assisted living for years.

Q: At What Age Do Most People Go Into a Care Home?

A: While it’s difficult to know the exact age that people move into a care home, the decision to move is typically influenced by factors such as an increased need for support with daily activities and healthcare that cannot be provided in their current home. Healthcare providers can generally assist with the decision-making process to move into a care home, as they understand how advancing conditions may need increased care provisions.

Q: What Are the Disadvantages of Moving Early to Assisted Living?

A: If a senior feels that they have been moved too early to an assisted living center, they may suffer from negative feelings of abandonment and distress. Furthermore, if they are a relatively independent individual, they may lose feelings of autonomy, leading to decreased self-esteem. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that the individual moves to an assisted living center that is right for them, where the benefits, such as enhanced comfort and care, can help them adjust more easily.

Rocky Mountain Assisted Living Is Here to Help Your Loved One

At Rocky Mountain Assisted Living, our dedicated staff of healthcare professionals and attentive caregivers is committed to providing excellent and compassionate care to your loved one. We are ready to help your loved one understand that now may be the right time for them to consider moving toward enhanced care. Contact us today to learn more about our different centers and amenities.