Assisted living is something that many Americans will need at some point in their lives, or will likely come in contact with through a loved one’s spending time there. It’s helpful for people to understand what Denver assisted living entails, particularly if they are considering the option for their loved ones, as many people will eventually need to.

Who Moves to Assisted Living?

The percentage of U.S. seniors living in assisted living facilities is about 1.4%, with 7 out of 10 people expected to require assisted living care at some point during their lifetime. Generally, these will be people who are in their late 70s and 80s. Those who are of an age well past the average lifespan will begin to face some of the impacts of aging that require additional help.

Other individuals that may need to make use of assisted living at a younger age, even under 65 in some cases, are those who have a degenerative condition that limits their capacity to care for themselves. For instance, people with dementia or Parkinson’s may require care sooner than others because of the way those conditions create physical or cognitive limitations.

The Benefits of Assisted Living

For those who need assisted living, there can be some impactful benefits for them and their families.

One of the benefits of assisted living is that it allows residents the opportunity to maintain some level of independence. Assisted living is designed to provide support where necessary, with help available 24/7 at most facilities, but residents can also maintain as much independence as they are capable of.

Another benefit of assisted living that many who move in experience is the benefit of the community that they have with others. Facilities will often hold social events and other activities that are an opportunity for the folks living there to spend some time with other residents.

Custom care is another significant benefit of assisted living. Many who end up in assisted living facilities are struggling with specific challenges, such as physical difficulties or memory issues. Depending on the facility, there may be care available that is tailored to these particular concerns.

One of the most important benefits of assisted living, though, is the peace of mind for family members. It can be hard for family members when they realize that their loved one is reaching a point where they can’t properly care for themselves anymore. They recognize that their loved one may be putting themselves at risk at home, and these families bear that stress and concern.

When families make the choice to have their loved one enter assisted living, it’s often a tremendous relief for them. They can know that there is help available all around the clock for their loved one and that they can get the assistance that they need. This sense of peace is one of the less obvious but tremendously impactful benefits of assisted living.

Signs a Love One Might Need Assisted Living

The signs of needing assisted living can often be subtle, so it’s important to pay close attention. Some of the issues you might notice that could indicate it is time for assisted living include:

  • Trouble with memory, particularly related to medication
  • Movement issues
  • An inability to handle finances
  • Frequent falls
  • Undernourishment due to the challenge of making meals
  • Depression following the death of a spouse

FAQs

Q: At What Age Do Most Seniors Go Into Assisted Living?

A: Most seniors go into assisted living in their late 70s or early 80s. However, it’s important to remember that the reason people go into assisted living is not because of their age but rather their capability. Generally, around that age, many people lose the capacity to do everything they need to for their own care. However, that dynamic could happen sooner, particularly if there is a situation where deteriorating health causes difficulties.

Q: How Long Do People Stay in Assisted Living?

A: How long someone is going to stay in assisted living is going to be different depending on the situation. The median length of stay is about 22 months. From assisted living, more than half of people will need to move on to a situation with full spectrum care, such as a nursing facility.

Q: How Do You Know if Someone Needs Assisted Living?

A: You can know if someone needs assisted living in a few different ways. In some situations, it will be fairly obvious as a health issue, such as dementia, begins to take hold. In other cases, it may be subtle and hard to recognize if you aren’t with the person every day. It’s important to pay close attention to your loved one so that you are aware of anything that could indicate that they are having trouble taking care of themselves properly.

Q: Do People Live Longer at Home or in a Nursing Home?

A: It really isn’t possible to say for certain whether people live longer at home or in a nursing home. The reason is that each situation is different. The challenges that each person faces are unique. Generally, those who live at home on their own often face difficult challenges, particularly related to falling.

For Those Who Need Assisted Living, We Can Help

Choosing assisted living for a loved one is always a very difficult time for families. We understand how sensitive these issues can be, as they mark the passage of time and age or health catching up with a person. The decision to move in is based on the belief that these loved ones will have a better quality of life with the support they need. When many of the small but important daily tasks have become too challenging, assisted living can make a big difference.

At Rocky Mountain Assisted Living, we strive to give those who choose to live with us the better life that they deserve. We are dedicated to providing the care that your loved ones need while allowing them every opportunity to maintain as much independence as possible. We believe in the dignity of every person, and our care is designed to match that view. Contact us today to discuss how we may be able to care for your loved one.