Choosing the Right Living Arrangement

You find yourself in the unenviable position of choosing the right senior living arrangement for a loved one. As a loving spouse, parent, child or friend, you take your responsibility seriously. You want to choose a living environment that is safe and comfortable, but you may be unsure where to start. 

Benefits of Living in the Right Environment

Living in the right environment can help your loved one prosper and live life to its fullest.  You can extend your loved one’s independence by providing an environment with the appropriate level of medical and personal care.  Accepting a little help walking, today, for example, can reduce the risk for a debilitating hip fracture, tomorrow.  Any senior living arrangement should be as supportive as possible, while still fostering a sense of independence.

A new home often brings new experiences, interests, and friendships in a way that combats loneliness and isolation, which are significant problems in older populations. The right living environment provides peace of mind for you, your loved one, and the rest of your family.  Choosing the proper level of supervision for your loved one helps everyone sleep soundly at night.

Determine Your Loved One’s Needs

Your loved one’s living situation should reflect their personal and medical needs.  Start by asking your loved one where and how they would like to live, while assuring them you will try to accommodate their wishes.  Ask your loved one’s physician about their medical needs.  Discuss your findings with other family members to gain their input.   Finally, research home care agencies and assisted living facilities in your area to learn about the various services they provide; or consult with an expert in the field who can speak to the various options available locally.

Choices – Stay at home with help or move

If your loved one has a full life, a close neighborhood and community connections, and seems to be thriving, it's worth exploring as many in-home care options as possible before raising stress levels by pressing a move from a beloved home.

If, on the other hand, your loved one is showing signs that living alone is a strain, it may be time for a talk.  Broach the subject of where to live in a neutral way and you may find that your loved one harbors the same concerns regarding safety and security. Find out what your loved one fears most about moving, and about staying, before launching into your own worries and opinions. Simply listening is extremely important at this juncture.