Although medical advances have made it possible for people to live longer and more healthily, there are still times when living alone isn’t an option. Seniors may be reluctant to discuss the possibility of moving away from their loved ones and staying in an assisted living facility.

It is not something that any family likes to face when assisted living is necessary. There are signs you can look out for to help you make the right decision.

Here are some resources to help you if you’re worried about your loved ones not being able to care for themselves properly on their own, or if you’re a caregiver and feel it is time to make a change.

Aging is more art than science. As we age, each person experiences a unique aging process and may be faced with different health issues. It can be difficult to navigate health care decisions later in your life. It may be difficult to determine when it is time to transition from independent living to assisted living.

Independent Living vs. Independent Living vs. Assisted Living

Independent living facilities are for seniors who are still able to care for themselves. These communities offer “planned social activities, exercise options, group travel options,” as well as other activities that promote “mental and physical engagement to improve general wellness and quality life as people age.”

“Assisted living facilities” are, in contrast, designed to ease the burden of daily tasks for people with different health or life circumstances.

Assisted living communities are for seniors who are not sufficiently sick to be admitted to a hospital or nursing home, but have chronic medical conditions that require monitoring.

Most people want to live in their own homes for as long as possible. This is how many of our older relatives feel. However, it may not be in their best interest to do so. What can we do to talk to them about the dangers and realities of remaining at home when their functional and/or health abilities are declining? What can we do to convince them of the benefits of assisted living?

The Difference Between Aging in Place and Assisted Living

Some seniors can remain safely at home with professional in-home assistance and a medical alarm system. If they are living alone, or their spouse becomes frail, there is no one who can help them in an emergency. While the familiarity and comforts that come with home are undisputed, there are also some drawbacks to aging at home.

As it becomes harder to leave the home and as friends have mobility problems, elders may find fewer opportunities to meet new people. Some seniors might stop doing household chores like cleaning, cooking and washing laundry. Seniors with cognitive impairment are particularly vulnerable to fraud, forgetting to shut off the kitchen, or even self-neglect.

Seniors who are able to make home modifications and have access to a strong support network and can be realistic about their abilities and health may consider aging in place. Many older adults are not aware of their changing needs and fail to prepare for them. Many older adults may not find the home they have chosen for their final years to be suitable or safe. Their family caregivers often have to run roughshod trying to protect their well-being and keep them safe while also managing their lives.