One of the most challenging things about when our loved ones get older is recognizing that they may not be able to live on their own in the same way as they have. It is important, though, to recognize that there is a point at which the right thing that we can do for them is find a place where they are able to be cared for according to their needs. When the right time is to transition to Denver assisted living can be a difficult thing to decide.
The Best Age for Assisted Living
The desire to think of the timing for assisted living in terms of age is tempting. We are used to the idea of milestone ages, like getting a driver’s license at 16, voting at 18, and even age 40 being a milestone birthday. It makes sense to want to think we can apply the same approach to the issue of when it is time for assisted living. However, that decision is made by taking a different approach.
While most people who are in assisted living are in their 80s and beyond, there are also many people who are much younger who are in assisted living facilities. The reason for the variance in age is that the decision for someone to move into assisted living is based on ability, not age. In some situations, this could mean not needing the kind of help that assisted living offers until your 80s. In others, often because of medical conditions, it could mean requiring help much earlier.
When to Start Thinking About Assisted Living
The decision to place a loved one in assisted living is going to be based on their capacity to care for themselves and if they may benefit from some of what assisted living has to offer. With that in mind, it’s important to recognize some of the signs that it may be time to consider assisted living.
One of the more difficult-to-recognize signs that it may be time for assisted living is also one of the more common, and that is not being able to keep up with domestic life. There is a need to perform basic functions like making meals, keeping things clean, and managing finances when caring for one’s self. If someone is really starting to struggle to keep up with these matters, it may be time for help.
However, recognizing these issues requires an attentive eye from loved ones, as it can be hard to recognize unless you are with them daily.
There are some other signs worth consideration, as well. For instance, more falls or a lack of sturdiness in movement could mean a need for more assistance. In some cases, isolation could be a reason for assisted living. A healthy lifestyle may be where there is greater community and social opportunities as a part of the programming at some facilities. Medical conditions, such as Parkinson’s, dementia, or other degenerative conditions, could also hasten the need for the care offered in assisted living.
FAQs
Q: At What Age Do Most People Move Into Assisted Living?
A: The age that most people move into assisted living is generally over 80 years old. However, there are people of many different ages moving into assisted living based on their particular situation and conditions. For instance, 6% of residents are under 65 years old. This may be a result of a particular medical condition, such as dementia, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, or another debilitating disease.
Q: How Long Do Most People Stay in Assisted Living?
A: How long most people stay in assisted living can vary significantly. The median is roughly a 22 month stay in assisted living; however, many are much shorter and much longer. In some cases, they may move back home or need a hospital stay. However, a skilled nursing facility is the next home for more than half of those who leave an assisted living community.
Q: When Should I Put My Parents in Assisted Living Near Me?
A: When you should put your parents in assisted living near you is going to be a highly personal decision. There are a number of factors to consider when making this kind of decision, but one of the main things to remember is that you want to consider what’s right for them.
Often, people may try to care for their parents themselves when an assisted living facility may actually be better. If you are running yourself ragged trying to keep up, that may not lead to the kind of quality time you want to spend with your parents in their later years.
Q: What Is the Average Age of a Person in a Care Home?
A: The average age of a person in a care home can fluctuate a bit over time, but is generally around 80 years of age. The median age is generally close to that same point as well. This means that there are many people both older and younger. What is important is not the age of those involved, but rather their condition and that they get the right care for them.
Get the Care Your Loved One Deserves When It Is the Right Time
We understand how difficult a decision it is for a family to move a loved one into assisted living. It is a challenging milestone, but we also know that it can give someone greater happiness as well. Families are choosing to move their loved one somewhere that they expect they will be properly cared for and better off than in other situations.
At Rocky Mountain Assisted Living, we appreciate what an important decision families are making when they entrust us with their loved ones. We believe it is a privilege to care for those who live at our facilities and we do what we can to ensure that they are safe, treated with dignity, and have opportunities that can enrich their days. If you believe a loved one may be ready for this kind of caring home, contact us today.