Today, baby boomers are continuing to retire bringing up the question of how to handle their changing health needs as they get older. One common challenge that the adult children of the baby boomers are facing is that they are also parents to young children, making them the primary caretaker for their children and their parents, they are stuck in what is called the sandwich generation. Being an adult child with aging parents and younger children is a difficult thing to handle and it is quite common to feel overwhelmed by being the caretaker of both.
Many times we hear our parents say “please do not put me in a home”. So as we try to provide the best care for our parents we wonder how can we possibly do it all? As time goes on it often times happens that our aging parents need more care and supervision because we are not sure if our parents are even safe to be in their home. This can result in increased levels of stress and conflict within the family. When this happens we see that many people ask themselves, should I put mom or dad in an assisted living facility?
The options often times are 24 hour home care versus placing our parents in an assisted living facility. In a residential community, where there is 24-hour access to personal care, as well as nutrition and wellness services designed specifically for older adults, seniors can enjoy social contact, security and support while still maintaining their independence. We have found that many older adults have a negative misperception of assisted living facilities and once they see them, they feel much more comfortable with the idea.
Some of the benefits of an assisted living facility include :
- Higher sense of independence
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Access to housekeeping
- Access to reliable transportation
- Nutrition that is supervised by a nutritionist
- A safe living environment
- Intellectual stimulation
- More access to social activities
- More access to physical activity geared towards older adults
Assisted living communities are often times full of very active older adults who can manage most of their routines without help. One thing that many people enjoy about living in an assisted living facility is that it is a home-like setting where seniors feel free and independent. Many seniors share that they feel relieved that they no longer need to worry about routine home maintenance like yard work that can become a challenge.
Many times an assisted living facility will offer you a tour of the facility so that you can see if it is a fit. If you are wondering if you should place your loved in an assisted living facility it may be a benefit to schedule some tours!
If you are not sure to to begin discussion about possible transition, our care managers are well experienced in assisted individuals and their families with this change. Call us today to learn more. RK Care Group 305-900-7203.
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