Assisted living is something that can be crucial for families when it’s needed. While it does provide many benefits, there are some downsides to Denver assisted living as well. It’s important, as you consider and prepare for the next steps for your family, to be aware of the full scope of the situation. That way, you can prepare for some of those disadvantages and be ready to do what’s right for your family.
Disadvantages of Assisted Living
Assisted living can provide tremendous benefits for those involved, but there can be some disadvantages worth recognizing as well. There are, of course, some disadvantages that come from not selecting a quality facility. There are assisted living facilities that are understaffed, treat their patients poorly, and don’t have the resources that patients need or desire. That is why it is imperative that you are careful and choose the right facility for your loved one.
Even in a facility that is fully-staffed, well-run, and takes great care of those living with them, there can be some disadvantages. Maybe the most significant one of these is the psychological impact to those moving into assisted living. Independence is something that humans value, and moving into an assisted living facility marks losing some independence. A good facility will try to be as respectful of this as possible, but it still can be challenging to process.
Another issue can be unfamiliarity with their new home. Many people who move into assisted living facilities for the first time are leaving a home that they have lived in for decades. Their familiarity with that home and life was comforting, and different surroundings can be uncomfortable at first. This can add to the stress of the transition.
Choosing the Right Assisted Living Facility
Given some of the disadvantages of moving into an assisted living facility, one of the things that you can do to ease the challenges is to pick a facility that is going to work well for your loved one. You want to be very careful when selecting a facility to care for someone so important to you. There are generally some essential things to consider.
You want to make sure you find assisted living that works for your family. In particular, it can make the transition easier for those moving in if their family is able to visit them. There may, then, be some benefit in choosing a location that works well for you in terms of being able to work visits into your schedule.
It is crucial to think about the unique needs of your family member when you decide on an assisted living facility. For instance, if your loved one is going to want to be more social, then choosing a place with regular activities can be important. On the other hand, if they are struggling with memory issues, finding a place with care tailored to those specific concerns can be important.
Lastly, you will want to make sure that you are comfortable with the facilities that you are entrusting your loved one to. This is a significant responsibility that you are putting in the hands of the staff, management, and facilities that you decide to place your loved one in. Make sure you feel totally comfortable with that decision.
FAQs
Q: What Challenges Should Be Considered When Looking at Assisted Living Near Me?
A: The challenges that you should consider when looking at assisted living are based on your circumstances. A primary challenge is cost, as you want to be sure that it’s something that your family can afford. You don’t want to get your loved one moved only to find that you need to move them again because of cost considerations. Another factor to consider is distance. If you want to be sure to visit regularly, that will be easier to do if they are closer.
Q: What Advantages Are There for Older Adults in Assisted Living?
A: There are several advantages for older adults in assisted living, but the primary advantage is getting the care that is needed. People move into assisted living when, whether because of age or other issues, they no longer have the capacity to take care of the basic elements of daily life in the way that they used to. Assisted living ensures that proper care is available when it is required.
Q: What Ethical Issues Exist in Assisted Living Facilities?
A: The ethical issues in assisted living facilities are the same ethical issues that are involved in any situation where someone is responsible for the care of others. Those issues might primarily revolve around the dignity of those being cared for. The ethics of showing respect, compassion, and fairness for the individuals living there should be paramount for the staff and management.
Q: What Is the Lowest Level of Assisted Living?
A: The lowest level of assisted living provides only the most minimal level of assistance. It’s designed for those who are still able to do many things on their own but may occasionally need very basic assistance with challenging physical activities or critical mental functions, such as remembering to take important medications on time.
Get the Assisted Living Care Your Cherished Family Member Deserves
There are a few disadvantages to assisted living, which is why most people won’t decide to transition their family members to assisted living until they have to. However, when the time comes, the disadvantages of assisted living are outweighed by the advantages of the care provided and the removal of the hardships of living on their own, not able to care for themselves properly. At that point, assisted living can be a tremendous relief and benefit.
At Rocky Mountain Assisted Living, you can find the kind of care that your loved one deserves when it has reached the right time for them. Our team believes in treating everyone at our facilities with the dignity and respect that they deserve. We take care to ensure that they receive the attention that they need and have opportunities that can enrich their time with us. Contact us today to hear what we can offer your family.