How Do You Know When it’s Time to Talk About Assisted Living?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all older adults had detailed plans in place (along with wills, advance directives and other important documents) that include what to do if, and when they can no longer live in their own homes? Unfortunately, it’s a topic that many parents and their adult children find uncomfortable and often don’t discuss until declining health, impaired mobility and concerns for safety can no longer be ignored.

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to have “the talk,” here’s some insider information from the professionals at Ingersoll Place Assisted Living and Memory Care in Niskayuna that we hope you’ll find helpful. 

•   A loved one is having difficulty performing daily routines such as shopping, household chores, preparing meals, scheduling and keeping medical-dental appointments. 
•   Opportunities to socialize with friends and family are few and far between and may be contributing to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
•    An increasing incidence of forgetfulness or memory loss is interfering with activities of daily life including safely administering their own medications.
•   Recurrent falls, reduced mobility and declining physical activity are adversely affecting a loved one’s overall quality of life.
•   Failure to maintain good personal hygiene, grooming and appearance may be a sign of depression, dementia or other serious health issues.

“But I Want to Stay in My Own Home”

According to a recent study by AARP, 90 percent of Americans, ages 65 and older want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Advances in disease prevention, treatment and technology are allowing many older adults this aging-in-place option, especially those with family members living nearby who can provide assistance as the needs arise.

It’s important to remember, however, as parents grow older, so do their adult children. They often have work responsibilities, kids still in school and health problems of their own that may make it unrealistic for them to be the caregivers or care managers their parents may need and, in some instances, expect them to be.

Another consideration for seniors looking to remain their own homes is what modifications are needed to make their homes accessible and safe. Some homes may only need minor revisions; others may require extensive remodeling of kitchens and bathrooms, widening of doorways and building ramps to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.

Whether your goal is to help a loved one stay in his or her own home or begin looking at senior housing options including assisted living, it’s important to start the conversation now. The health status of an older adult can deteriorate quickly and it’s essential that you have plans in place that can adapt to your loved one’s needs today and in the future. 

 “I Want to Go Home to Ingersoll”

What began as the Ingersoll Memorial Home nearly a century ago and is known today as Ingersoll Place, is a warm and welcoming community for older adults. Our residents enjoy the familiar comforts of home and a best-of both-worlds lifestyle that offers as much independence as possible and round-the-clock assistance for those that require higher levels of care.

In the words of one of our longtime residents, “I love visiting my daughter and her family for birthdays and other celebrations but when the party is over, I can’t wait to go home to Ingersoll.”

For information about Ingersoll Place, contact Claire Oliver, Director of Marketing and Sales, at 518-370-4419, ext. 303