Making the choice to move a loved one to an assisted living community is one of the most difficult decisions a family caregiver can face. It’s often accompanied by feelings of guilt, sadness, and the weight of promises made. Because of all the emotions involved, it can be hard to know when the time has truly come, especially when you want to put off that tough decision for as long as possible.
However, there are times when caring for a loved one at home becomes unsafe or unsustainable for both of you. To help you navigate this challenging situation, here are five key signs that it may be time to consider a move to assisted living.
1. Aggressive Behavior Puts Everyone at Risk
For some older adults, especially those with dementia, aggressive or violent behavior can become a reality. If you’ve tried different strategies or medications without success, this behavior can pose a serious risk of injury to both you and your loved one. Beyond the physical danger, it also adds an immense amount of emotional stress to an already difficult situation.
2. Care Needs Exceed What You Can Safely Provide at Home
As health and abilities decline over time, your loved one’s care needs may grow beyond what you can safely manage at home. For example, if they now require constant supervision or need help multiple times throughout the night, it can be nearly impossible for one or two people to sustain that level of care long-term. Similarly, if your loved one is significantly larger or heavier and develops mobility issues, it may become physically dangerous for you to assist them with moving around.
3. They Are at High Risk of Wandering and Getting Lost
Many people with dementia have a strong desire to walk around or go to specific places. The brain damage caused by the disease, however, means they often don’t remember how to get where they’re going or how to get back home. They can slip out of the house in the blink of an eye—the time it takes to use the restroom or grab a glass of water. If you’ve done everything possible to secure your home but they still manage to get out, moving to a specialized memory care community with secure facilities may be the only way to ensure their safety.
4. In-Home Care Costs Are No Longer Sustainable
Hiring in-home caregivers is expensive, and as your loved one’s needs increase, so do the costs. Eventually, the expense of round-the-clock care can exceed your financial resources. While assisted living communities are also costly, they may be more affordable than the level of in-home care that is now required.
5. You’re Experiencing Chronic, Severe Caregiver Stress
It’s normal to feel stressed as a caregiver, but when that stress becomes chronic and severe, it can seriously impact your own health and well-being. When you’re overwhelmed and burnt out, your ability to provide safe and effective care for your loved one can diminish significantly. At this point, making a change is not only necessary for your health, but also for theirs.
We hope this information is helpful to you in the important work you do as a family caregiver.
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