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From The Alden Network Podcasts – Assisted Living

Making the decision to help an aging adult move into assisted living can be difficult. People give so much of their time and energy to caring for a loved one with dementia or other age-related issues, that when the time comes for someone else to care for your loved one, it can be painful and emotional.

What is assisted living?
An assisted living community consists of seniors who are experiencing many of the same challenges and who create a home with all of the amenities of a fine hotel. It provides assistance for seniors who are no longer able to live safely alone by providing the safety and security to live their life as independently as possible. 

Signs a loved may no longer be living safely
When assessing when a loved one may need some assistance in living safely, here are some things to watch out for:

  • excessive clutter around the house, such as unopened mail piling up
  • dangerous habits, such as leaving the stove on or not locking the front door
  • unpaid bills
  • memory loss
  • difficulty in moving around
  • weight loss
  • lack of food

If you notice one of more of these situations with your loved one, it may be time to start considering find a more suitable living arrangement.

Starting the conversation
Moving a loved one to an assisted living community should be a family discussion. So if you see that your parents are starting to fail, or you have some concerns, discuss it with them, discuss it with your siblings. Go on a doctor’s appointment with them, discuss it with the physician. Often, it’s difficult for family members to address it, but bringing the professional in really can help that transition, particularly if the person’s doctor is someone they trust.

Making the move
One of the most important people should look for in an assisted living community is location. You want to make sure that it’s convenient for you to get there as often as you would like no matter what time of the day. Be sure and visit the communities in person. Is the community clean and well-maintained? Does the staff look happy and are they engaged with the residents? Do the residents look happy? Are they active? You obviously want to find a place where you loved one will thrive.

Assisted living at Alden
Alden offers a homelike atmosphere with all the amenities and services you would expect in a fine hotel. We have concierge services, including dry cleaning, a beauty salon, and transportation to and from different outings and doctor appointments. We also have doctors that come on a regular basis to our location to assist the residents and their healthcare needs. Alden also offers a variety of activities including daily exercise classes, water coloring, bridge club, book club. Alden communities also offer restaurant-style dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Additional services
Alden communities also provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy if needed. The community nurse works with the resident’s physician to make sure that all of those services are being provided whether it’s to help them regain their strength, improve their strength and maintain their independence.

To learn more about assisted living at Alden, visit one of our communities. Or visit us online.