When to Make the Move to Assisted Living

The Path Varies

Most seniors start out with a little help from family members who live close by. But as time goes by even the most patient and willing relatives can become overwhelmed if their loved one cannot manage certain daily activities, specifically:

• Preparing meals
• Taking medications
• Dressing and bathing
• Using the bathroom

Even when everyone lives in the same home, this can put unmanageable burdens on caregivers and may make seniors feel embarrassed, guilty and/or depressed.

More stressful, and potentially unsafe, situations can begin to occur, particularly if cognitive abilities start to falter:

• Disorientation, pacing, or wandering
• “Sundowner” syndrome – anxious, fearful behavior late in the day
• Agitation, aggression, or mood swings

A Touchy Subject

It can be difficult to determine if the time is right for assisted living. It is often one of the hardest conversations for adults to have with an aging parent, spouse, or close friend.

Although it is ideal to have talked about long-term care options early-on, the subject must be broached once your loved one is unable to manage daily activities. 

Whether the reason for the decline in abilities is medical or cognitive, much stress and negativity can be avoided if you bring up the subject in a timely manner, rather than waiting until an illness, accident, or close-call makes an abrupt move necessary.

Talking About Assisted Living

Even at the least stressful time, the benefits of assisted living will not likely be at the top of any senior’s mind. 

Armed with a thoughtful assessment of the situation and the reality of long-term care, including the fact that almost 70% of people turning 65 today will need some type of services and support, you can direct the conversation to advantages that will make real and positive improvements in the quality of life of your loved one:

• Better health and safety
• Freedom from home maintenance
• Relief from loneliness
• Daily opportunities to socialize
• Participating in, or starting new, activities or hobbies
• Peace of mind, for both seniors and caregivers, that help is at hand when needed

What Sets The Elms Apart

Carefully coordinated and individualized care plans are implemented for each resident so that they may lead the lifestyle of their choice in a helpful, positive, and stress-free environment. 

Our team of professionals not only exercise their duties in a friendly manner, but are also dedicated to personalized assistance based on each resident’s needs, likes and dislikes. 

Among the many features and benefits of living at The Elms, residents enjoy a full calendar of daily activities and campus amenities, including: 

• Chauffered errands around town and scenic rides through beautiful Westerly
• On-site salon and exercise rooms
• Spacious and welcoming common rooms
• Health and wellness presentations and therapies
• On-site musical and performing arts events
• Community-focused events and seasonal celebrations

Depending on availability, we welcome couples in both our assisted living and indepenent living residences. As we also offer dediated memory care on our campus, the transition to a secure Alzheimer’s/demetia care residence tends to be faster and easier.

Your Next Step

Since you have found The Elms online, why not schedule a tour right now by calling (401) 596-4630 or sending an email. We would love to show you all of the wonderful amenities and activities that residents throughout our campus enjoy everyday.