Eskaton Blog

Family involvement and support can have a big impact on the aging experience of your parents. The research is clear that deep, meaningful relationships can have a positive impact on quality and longevity of life. But, when it comes to emotionally charged topics the line between being involved and meddling can sometimes seem blurred. One of the most emotionally charged topics for aging adults is the decision of whether or not to move into assisted living. It is emotionally charged because change can be scary and so can facing the future. Adult children are often desperate to help their parents with this big decision but struggle to know how involved to become in the process. There is not a one-size-fits-all answer to this dilemma but there are a few questions that can help you get an idea of how involved you should be.

When one spouse starts to decline mentally or physically it is typically the other spouse who provides care at the beginning. Examples of this include situations where one spouse is in the early stages of dementia or is starting to have difficulty moving around. When the needs are manageable this setup can work. But, real problems can arise when the healthy spouse puts him or herself at risk by caring for the other. For example, your father could potentially hurt himself if he tried to pick up your mother as her mobility decreases. Some families choose to place one parent in senior living while the other continues to live at home. This scenario is often the best choice for both the ailing spouse and the one who is well. But, there are times when both spouses want to remain together despite differing needs. If you find your parents in this situation then you may wonder if it is even possible to keep them together at a senior living community. Fortunately, there are communities that offer this as an option in certain situations. In order to find out if this will work for your parents, you should consider the needs of both your ailing parent and your healthy parent.

Adult children are often concerned about how well their parents will transition into assisted living once they make the move. This is an understandable concern because it can be a big change. Moving to a new place can make seniors feel like they are leaving so much behind. But, it does not have to be a negative or painful experience. Many seniors thrive in the assisted living environment by building relationships and getting involved in activities. You can also be a resource for your parents as they transition into assisted living. Your involvement and the opportunities for activities and relationships within the community are the best resources your parents have for a smooth transition.

If you are like most children of aging parents, you have high expectations for the assisted living community you and your parents choose. You want your parents to be comfortable, make connections with others, and generally enjoy a high quality of life. These are all wonderful and realistic things to expect from a high-quality assisted living community.

Searching for an assisted living community for your parent can feel like an overwhelming task. How do you know which place is the best choice? If you have never gone through this experience before then how can you figure out what to look for amongst all the options?

The needs of your aging parents are unique and will continue to change over time. As you explore the option of assisted living for your parents it is essential that you make sure their current and future needs will be met. They can receive a wide range of help in an assisted living community. If your parents are still relatively independent, they can get intermittent or regular help in assisted living. When their needs intensify then they can receive the frequent or constant help they require. Keep reading for a detailed description of each level of help.

Senior adults often need the assistance of loved ones to decide when it is time to get more help with daily tasks. As an adult child of aging parents, you are in a unique, and sometimes difficult position. You may have to start taking a more active role in helping your parents with important decisions. One of the biggest decisions your parents will make as they age is where to live during their golden years. You can help them determine when it is time to move into assisted living by keeping an eye out for a few telltale signs.

There are a number of elements to consider as you help your parents navigate their options for senior living. In order to make a true comparison between staying at home and moving into assisted living you will have to delve deep into your parents’ monthly living expenses. You need to get a true understanding of what it costs your parents to stay home each month so you can appropriately compare it to the costs of a senior living community.

There is no one-size-fits-all path for navigating the aging process. It is a deeply personal experience you and your family will work through together. As your parents age, you will likely explore care options with them. Two of the main options that families consider for senior care are in-home care and assisted living. These are both good options for getting your parents the help they need. But which one is the best option for your parents’ particular situation? How do you choose between in-home care and assisted living? The first step in choosing between the two options is to learn the differences in what they offer.

Decreasing mobility is a fact of life for many seniors. There are a variety of factors that can lead to limited mobility including injury, recent hospitalization, obesity, and arthritis. Decreased mobility can then lead to other issues for seniors when it starts to impair their ability to do everyday activities such as getting out to see loved ones, cooking, and physical self-care. If you have a senior in your life with limited mobility, then you know how difficult everyday tasks can become as mobility decreases. One option for seniors with limited mobility is assisted living. Assisted living communities are designed with seniors in mind and can accommodate those who have decreased range of motion all the way to those who have limited overall mobility.