What to Do When Only One Parent Needs Assisted Living

Caring for your parents as they age can be extremely rewarding. However, there may be a point where one parent needs more care than the other. Balancing the different needs of both parents can be a challenge, so what can you do? Can your parents both live in assisted living—even if one doesn’t need professional care?

If one parent needs assisted living but the other does not, it can still be beneficial to make the move to senior living. The parent in need can receive a custom care plan to meet their unique needs, and your independent parent can enjoy all of the benefits and amenities offered by the assisted living community!

What is Assisted Living?

As seniors age, their needs and capabilities can adjust. Sometimes, tasks like bathing, dressing, or housekeeping become a little more difficult. Watching your parents struggle to perform their daily activities can be a challenging experience, so what can you do to help?

If this is the case, it helps to consider assisted living. This is a type of senior living community designed specifically for older adults who need some help with their daily tasks. In assisted living, your parent’s independence and autonomy are supported at every turn—and when an activity poses a challenge, a team of trained caregivers intervenes to provide support.

The goal of assisted living is simple. These communities aim to support your loved one each and every day with the tasks that give them trouble, in an environment that feels just like home!

Who Qualifies for Assisted Living?

Assisted living is ideal for any senior who is both medically and physically stable. While these communities offer a certain degree of medical support, they rarely offer advanced care. Instead, potential residents should be:

Able to perform some daily activities independently
In need of help with activities such as bathing, dressing, or medication management
Not requiring constant medical supervision or advanced care
Looking for a social, engaging community environment
Interested in having access to amenities and social activities

It’s also crucial to think about the emotional and social needs of your parents. One key benefit to assisted living communities is how they offer easy access to all kinds of events and activities designed to keep things interesting. It’s about much more than finding a place to live—it’s about your parents finding a community that supports them each and every day.

When to Move to Assisted Living

When it comes to any kind of senior living, it’s crucial to learn to recognize the signs that a loved one is struggling. Keep an eye out for:

Frequent falls or accidents at home
Difficulty managing medications correctly
Noticeable weight loss or poor eating habits
Increased isolation or loneliness
Decline in personal hygiene
Signs of depression or anxiety

If you notice these signs in your parent, it’s time to think about assisted living.

The Benefits of Assisted Living

With assisted living, it can be a bit complicated at first; trying to plan out the logistics of a move is rarely easy! And when only one parent needs assisted living, it may seem even more complex—but this doesn’t have to be the case.

In most situations where only one parent needs assisted living, most communities will accommodate your family. Both parents can move to the assisted living community. The parent in need will receive a custom care plan designed to meet their needs, and the parent who can remain independent can simply enjoy easy access to all of the benefits of the community!

This means that your parents can continue living together without worrying about hiring at-home caregivers. Instead, they can enjoy every day in an environment tailored to support them. And if your independent parent begins to struggle, it’s easy to change the care plan so both your parents can get the help they need to maintain their dignity and quality of life.

Easing the Transition to Senior Living

If you think your parents could benefit from assisted living, it’s crucial to approach the situation with care. Planning a move of any sort can be overwhelming, and it’s going to take some time to determine the right approach.

An adult woman sitting between her senior parents on the couch laughing while discussing assisted living. Make sure that you:

Involve them in the decision. Include your parents in the decision-making process. Visit different communities together and allow them to express their preferences and concerns.
Plan ahead. Prepare for the move by organizing and downsizing belongings. Make their new space feel like home by bringing familiar items and decorations.
Stay connected. Maintain regular communication and visits, especially in the initial stages. This helps alleviate feelings of abandonment and ensures they feel supported.
Encourage participation. Encourage your parents to participate in social activities and events within the community. This helps them build new friendships and feel more at home.
Provide emotional support. Be patient and understanding. Acknowledge their feelings and reassure them that the move is for their well-being and happiness.

Supporting your parents through this transition can make it smoother and less stressful, making it much easier to adapt to their new environment. Whether one parent needs assisted living or both, just remember—this decision is about improving their quality of life.

Making the Right Choice

Choosing the right living arrangement for your parents is a significant decision, so it’s important to stay supportive. You’re making the right choice!

Here at The Neighborhood of Rio Rancho, we’re here to help support your family through this transition. Contact our team to schedule a tour with our community, and take the first step toward finding your parents’ future home!