The independent lifestyle may offer many older adults freedom and allow for more control over one’s environment. While independent living has many benefits, what happens when your health and physical ability starts to decline?
Assisted living can help you maintain as much independence as possible and ensure you get specialized care and services to meet your needs. So, when do you move from independent living to assisted living?
Let’s find out by looking at the differences and what signs indicate it’s time to move.
What Is Independent Living?
Independent living is where an individual lives on their own but can have a certain level of assistance with daily activities such as personal care, meal preparation, housekeeping, and shopping.
In an independent living situation, an individual can maintain some degree of self-reliance while also enjoying the help from others to provide the necessary services they need.
Some senior living communities also offer an independent lifestyle option. Tasks like maintenance, lawn care, and housekeeping may be taken care of, and residents can spend their time in organized activities, events, and socializing.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living facilities are residential communities where trained professionals assist with daily living. These communities often offer extra support services to help individuals remain as independent as possible while assisting as needed.
Assisted living facilities offer a wide variety of services to create an environment best suited for each individual’s needs. Residents usually have their own living spaces and are free to socialize when they choose to. One can expect to find some level of medical care in these communities, as well as activities and social events that aim to make life more enjoyable and engaging.
Care services may include:
- 24/7 care, including a licensed nurse on call
- Medication management
- Speech, physical, and occupational therapies
- Regular wellness checkups
Personalized services may include:
- Assistance with everyday tasks
- Laundry and housekeeping
- Grooming and hygiene
- Mobility and transferring
- Eating and nutrition
Signs Indicating It’s Time to Move from Independent to Assisted Living
The thought of leaving your home can feel overwhelming for many older adults. It’s a good idea to start the conversation early to help alleviate those feelings when the time to move arrives.
Usually, the family members or caregivers of older adults notice the early signs that independent living may no longer be an option. Some of those signs can include:
- Falls: Frequent or recent falls with no means to call for help.
- Declining health: Chronic medical conditions that need more medical attention.
- Death or divorce: Losing a spouse to death or divorce.
- Change in behavior: A deterioration in mental health can result in erratic behavior, confusion, and aggression.
- Loss of independence: Lack of mobility or the inability to drive can make it difficult to leave home.
- Social isolation: Mobility issues can lead to more time spent alone. It can increase the risk of depression and loneliness and affect overall health.
- Memory loss: Early signs of memory loss can indicate Alzheimer’s or dementia. Forgetting to take medications or renewing prescriptions can signal a need for medication management.
- Neglect: A neglect of personal hygiene is when you can’t carry out activities of daily living (ADLs) due to inability or lack of motivation.
- Weight loss or gain: Sudden weight loss can indicate an underlying medical condition or the inability to shop for groceries, cook, or eat a balanced diet. Weight gain can indicate mobility issues or lack of activity such as exercise.
- Lack of maintenance: Unable to maintain a clean home and yard. Clutter or lack of cleanliness can indicate worsening physical health or a decline in mental health.
- Caregiver burnout: Family members or caregivers can reach burnout as needs increase.
Assisted Living at Villa De Anza
With age comes varying health challenges. And that can include a transition from independent to assisted living. It might not always be a decision of if, but rather when to move from independent to assisted living.
One of the significant benefits of assisted living is helping residents maintain as much independence as possible while getting the proper care they need. Moving to a senior community that meets your needs can improve your quality of life.
If you’re looking for assisted living in Riverside, book a tour with Villa De Anza to see what we offer and what makes our community unique.
