When you finally acknowledge that your loved ones need to consider the transition to an assisted living community, it can be a hard conversation to start. We will help you outline some key points of discussion to help you know what to do when not one, but two of your loved ones need assisted living.
Recognizing the Need
Every elderly couple is different and will age together, but at separate paces. When one starts needing more assistance, the other spouse may step in initially to try to do as much as they can. In their time together they may have always done an equal part to care for themselves and their home. But when one side begins to feel less apt to partake in the daily routine and upkeep, the impacts on their health and wellbeing can be noticeable.
A loss of interest in socializing and interacting with others outside of the home is something to take seriously. Even if they do have each other as a couple, it’s still crucial to mental wellbeing to get to spend time getting to know other people. In an assisted living community, there are always new faces to meet and others to share stories with.
In physical health, when weight loss suddenly becomes apparent, this is another reason for concern. It’s normal for a senior couple who long enjoyed cooking delectable meals together over the years to take meal preparation down a notch in difficulty and steps. Modifying to prepare more simplified recipes is one thing, but when it’s become a matter of not eating enough, there is a real issue of not being fully given the right amount of nutrients they need.
Our senior loved ones were from a generation that took pride in the upkeep of their homestead, some they even built themselves. So when you notice that a senior couple is living in their beloved home with things like an abnormal amount of clutter, dirtiness, and spoiled food in the fridge, it could be a sign that the general day-to-day work to keep the house in good condition is becoming harder to manage on their own.
The layout of their current home is also a factor to consider. For their safety, a space that’s optimized to best accommodate their physical abilities and level of balance is crucial to reducing the risk of injury. Are there hard to navigate stairs, slippery rugs, or railings that aren’t completely secure? Ask yourself and the couple these questions, and really evaluate the level of home safety. A fall risk is not something to take lightly.
The Resistance to Change
It can be hard to let go of the home your senior loved ones have shared so many cherished memories in together in their love story. Like any great novel, every chapter can bring a great change. With a big change such as the transition to assisted living, it can bring on a lot of emotion, rather than excitement.
While they may not realize it at first, being able to move into a senior living community is an opportunity to make their next chapter a step above. New memories can be made and replace the difficulties they experience living without assistance.
Cooking and meal preparation is made easier at the Kensington. Our in-house executive Chef Norm, caters a dining menu with recipes to provide not only the health-boosting nutrients your loved one needs, but flavor that satisfies as well with dishes like prime rib, grilled salmon, and fresh vegetables. Accommodation of special dietary needs or preferences is also available as well.
Another aspect to the equation of senior couples deciding when and how to move, is if there is a family pet involved in the mix. Good news, at The Kensington we are pet-friendly and welcome furry friends! We are more than happy to present options to accommodate these special members of the family.
You can be rest assured that your senior loved ones are in an environment that is not only catered to provide safety and security, but to make them feel at home. We promise to love and care for your loved ones, as we do our own. We not only have expert and knowledgeable staff there to provide support at any time – but can adapt to changing care needs. Each resident is different, and we are able to make our care unique to them.
Visitors are always welcome to enjoy quality time with their loved ones, whether it be partaking in an activity on our events calendar, enjoying a nice lunch or dinner together, or strolling around our beautifully flourished grounds. Contact us today if you would like to learn more.
Further Reading:
Memory loss is life changing for all involved. At The Kensington, we provide a state-of-the-art memory care program, a higher staff-to-resident ratio than industry standards, and more advanced care services. Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
For additional resources regarding your loved one’s condition, please read on about our Memory Care, Alzheimer’s Care and Dementia Care.