Whether you live nearby or just visit whenever you can, you probably have no problem understanding why your aging parent loves living in Spartanburg. From beautiful parks and gardens to a thriving cultural district, there’s plenty here for people of all ages. The city is especially senior-friendly, offering many programs and classes just for that age group.
Knowing why a loved one lives in Spartanburg is easy; knowing they’re safe living on their own can be more challenging. If you’re noticing signs that your loved one may be ready to consider assisted living in Spartanburg, here are a few questions to consider as you weigh your options.
Do they need more help than you can provide?
A decline in independent ability is often an early sign that a senior loved one might be ready for assisted living. You might notice that they are having trouble remembering small details or worry about decreased mobility that could lead to falls. Other signs to watch out for include significant weight loss or gain, loss of interest in activities and hobbies, and decreased attention to personal grooming and hygiene.
It is natural for friends and adult children to help as much as they can, even making sacrifices in their personal lives to do so. There are plenty of resources out there for people who are willing to move into this kind of caregiving role, and your loved one will no doubt enjoy having your help. But if this level of care isn’t possible for you — or if providing it is damaging your relationship — it might be time to consider that your loved one is ready for assisted living.
What does their doctor think?
Friends and family members of aging loved ones sometimes have trouble seeing the situation objectively. And even the most attentive, clear-eyed caregivers tend not to be as knowledgeable as medical professionals.
If you have questions about whether or not your loved one is ready for assisted living, consider writing down those questions and taking them to your loved one’s next doctor’s appointment. You might ask about their perceived risk of injury, what kinds of therapies they might recommend, and additional screenings that might be beneficial. The doctor can also share thoughts about your loved one’s ability to manage their medication, which is often a key factor in the decision about assisted living.
Will assisted living change their life?
When they come around to the idea that a change is necessary, many people start to wonder if moving to assisted living will mean a big change for their loved one. The answer, of course, is yes. Any significant move or lifestyle adjustment comes with big changes, no matter the stage of life.
However, in the case of moving to assisted living, you can expect these changes to be overwhelmingly positive! Gone are the days of stuffy, dull nursing homes. Today’s assisted living communities offer exceptional dining every day and calendars packed with activities and events for seniors of all ability levels. Residents of assisted living communities don’t need to worry about driving themselves when they want to do something fun; there’s plenty to do within the community, and staff members are on hand to arrange transportation when there’s just no substitute for a night on the town. And, whereas seniors living at home face the risk of increased social isolation, senior living communities offer plenty of opportunities to make new friends.
Do they feel ready for assisted living?
One of the most important steps in the process of deciding whether your loved one is ready for assisted living is deceptively simple: Ask them. It’s not a bad idea to have their doctor’s advice and some other research on hand during what could be a difficult conversation, but you should strive to have it before you get too far along in the planning process. Your loved one will be the one most impacted by this decision, and they don’t want to feel like their opinion doesn’t matter.
Give your loved one space to share their thoughts and feelings, even though they may be difficult to hear. And be honest about your perspective in return. Some seniors may not feel ready to listen, but you can increase your chances of being heard by being transparent, loving, and persistent.
What do I do now?
You’ve seen the signs and had the hard conversations, and you’re ready to take the next step to find the best assisted living in Spartanburg. We at Eden Terrace of Spartanburg are ready and waiting to discuss that next step with you and your family. Contact us today to schedule a visit or ask any questions you may have. In the meantime, feel free to explore our blog to learn more about our thriving community!
