When it’s Time for Change – Helping My Loved One Transition to Assisted Living

There is no doubt that helping a parent or loved one make the move from living at home to an assisted living community involves a lot of change. It will possibly be the most dramatic change that they’ve had to make in a very long time. With any change often comes stress and uncertainty, but there are things that you can do today to help this process become a little easier for everyone.

First, always start with open and honest conversation. As we grow older, our health needs increase. If symptoms of health problems are making daily life tasks difficult to complete, an assisted living setting can offer the specific care that is needed. It may be beneficial to make a list with your loved one, talk about their daily routine and where they know they need additional support.

Unfortunately, some of our loved ones will be resistant to the idea of getting help, even when it’s clear that help is needed. Try talking about your concerns in other ways. Ask them what chores do they find the most fatiguing? And be honest about what you as a friend or family member can and can’t do! We all have additional responsibilities that take up our time and energy, we simply can’t do it all. Here is a sample list of tasks which may begin to become a challenge:

• Walking and getting around the house and yard
• Grocery shopping
• Preparing meals
• House cleaning and chores
• Transportation
• Managing medications
• Dressing, Bathing, and Basic Hygiene

A visit with their health care professional can also be beneficial to clarify any medical challenges they are facing. It’s important to listen to your loved one and develop empathy towards what they are experiencing. It can be hard for any of us to admit we need help, and yet the chores of everyday life may be starting to overwhelm them. At Cambrian Senior Living, every resident is given careful and considerate care, support where needed and the respect and encouragement towards the things each individual can do on their own. An assessment is given to each new resident to help determine the level of care that will give them the utmost benefits for a full life.

Moving out of a home, and away from a familiar neighborhood can be emotional. Experiencing feelings of grief over leaving their home, or simply the loss of a lifestyle is very common. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and not try to minimize them. However, it’s okay to share the benefits that come with making such a move as well. Mandy Otto, who is the Life Enrichment Coordinator at the Cambrian Senior Living center has said, “The Cambrian management and staff care about honoring your loved one and giving them the care and interactions that will help them be able to enjoy their life with fewer frustrations. We make everything we can into an activity; cooking together, setting the table, gardening. Our residents stay engaged throughout the day and frequently I see this positively impact both their physical health and mental clarity.”

It can be true that leaving what is known and comfortable may seem like a surrender to the elderly. It can also be true that transitioning into a well run assisted living community, like Cambrian Senior Living, can bring real victories in the quality of your loved one’s life. If you would like to see these benefits in person schedule a tour at either our Tecumseh or South Lyon location.