Could your parents use a helping hand with the tasks of daily living? Are they no longer eating healthy or do they seem lonelier? Has your loved one been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and you’re not sure how to provide the right care?
Many adult children find themselves asking these questions as they worry not only about their parents’ safety but also their quality of life. Families often begin considering which options might be best for their loved ones – staying home and bringing in outside services or moving to a senior living community.
Pros and Cons of Senior Living
These decisions are not always easy to make. When considering whether an assisted living or memory care community might provide the better solution, it can be helpful to review both sides of each choice.
Assisted Living
These communities provide a private residence, services and amenities to support residents to remain engaged, as well as enjoy a helping hand with the basic tasks of daily life.
The Pros of Assisted Living
1. Private residence
Communities typically offer a private residence that can be personalized to make it home.
2. Help with daily tasks
Assistance is available for bathing, dressing and managing medications, helping residents feel more in control.
3. Delicious and nutritious dining
The community plans, shops and prepares healthy meals for residents to enjoy.
4. Activities and amenities
A monthly calendar of activities is offered to encourage residents to stay active and engaged.
5. Opportunities to meet and make new friends
Loneliness and isolation are uncommon with all of the many possibilities to socialize.
6. Scheduled transportation
Relying on others for rides can result in staying home instead. In a community, residents take advantage of the transportation offered.
7. Secure community and residences
Older adults often worry about their safety while living alone. A community is designed to be accessible and assistance is always available.
The Cons of Moving to Assisted Living
Some families find these difficulties when discussing a move with their parents.
1. Parents may find it hard to leave their home
Your parents may not want to leave home, regardless of how much easier life in an assisted living community might be.
2. Parents may hesitate to accept that help is needed
Some older adults find it difficult to admit they need assistance. They may still see themselves as capable of taking care of everything and prefer not to move.
3. Parents may fear they’ll lose their independence
Until they have the chance to see what an assisted living community is like, they may be afraid they won’t be able to make their own decisions.
Memory Care
Individuals often remain at home in the earlier stages of dementia but as a progressive disease, their needs may eventually exceed what can be provided there. Memory care communities are designed to help residents remain as engaged as possible while receiving specialized care and attention.
The Pros of Memory Care
1. Residence and community space designed for those living with dementia
Communities are designed to minimize frustration while safely encouraging freedom of movement without the residents feeling restricted.
2. Assistance with daily tasks
Your parent will have help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating or participating in activities.
3. Specially trained staff
Staff receive specialized training to interact and care for those living with dementia. There is also a lower staff-to-resident ratio, providing more time to attend to a resident’s needs.
4. Nutritious dining programs
Nutrition remains important but as the disease progresses, eating may become more difficult. Specialized food, presentation, utensils and assistance is provided.
5. Programs and therapies
Programs and therapies are tailored to meet a resident’s needs and preferences, benefiting daily enjoyment and overall quality of life.
6. Families can engage as loved ones and not as caregivers
Families can return to their roles of spouse or child when their loved one is well cared for. No longer needing to function as caregiver or nurse can improve relationships.
The Cons of Moving to Memory Care
1. Your loved one may not want to leave their home
Your loved one may be uncomfortable to move into a community with others and might not want to leave home.
2. Covering the expense of memory care
Families may not feel as if there are enough resources to fund memory care, however, they may be surprised to learn that several financial options are often overlooked. Speaking to a community can provide guidance.
Note: Due to the progressive needs of dementia, remaining at home can become a safety risk to the individual or contribute to health problems and exhaustion for the caregiver. Moving to a memory care community is usually a positive step and most families see their parent’s quality of life improve.
The Charleston Senior Community
Locally owned and operated, we offer personalized care by our dedicated team members. Setting a new standard in Assisted Living and Memory Care, we don’t define our residents by their limitations or illness but instead believe in focusing on the positive and the possibility.
The Charleston Senior Community includes private apartments for assisted living residents and for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Your loved ones will benefit from our attention to detail, routine health assessments, delicious dining and daily activity programs as we support everyone to live their best life.
Consider a few of our amenities:
- Chef-led dining program
- Community movie theater
- Salon
- Ballroom
- Live entertainment
- Outdoor patio
- Social lounges
- Housekeeping
If you or your family is thinking about Assisted living or Memory care, we hope you will consider The Charleston Senior Community. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions. We also invite you to download our complimentary guide to help when deciding between home and senior living, Should You Stay or Should You Go?
