The decision to transition a loved one into assisted living often follows careful deliberation and empathetic acknowledgment of their needs. However, many older adults and their families encounter the realization that as time goes on, the services and support provided by assisted living services may no longer be sufficient.
Offering assisted living and additional care options in Tennessee, our team at The Pavilion Senior Living is exploring what you should do if this is the case, including:
- Signs that it might be time to consider alternative senior care options
- The different types of care available
- The factors to weigh when making such a monumental decision
Recognizing the Need for More Comprehensive Care
Understanding when your loved one requires a higher level of care is a significant challenge and can cause confusion, but recognizing the signs that assisted living is not meeting their needs is the first step toward ensuring their well-being remains the priority.
Physical Decline
Because we are at a higher risk of developing certain conditions, physical health can decline as we grow older. If you notice an increase in falls, unexplained bruises, significant weight loss, or changes in gait or posture, it might be a sign that your family member needs more support than is offered in assisted living.
Memory and Cognition
For individuals dealing with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, the transition to memory care might become necessary. If you notice uncharacteristic confusion, wandering tendencies, or a decline in cognitive abilities even in a controlled environment, specialized memory care services could provide a more tailored approach to their well-being.
Social and Emotional Needs
Human connection is a fundamental need, especially among older generations. If you observe persistent signs of loneliness, increased anxiety, or a withdrawal from social activities, it is important to assess whether the current level of engagement provided by assisted living communities is sufficient.
Alternative Senior Living Options
Many families are unaware of the additional levels of senior living available to them, even when the signs indicate the need for more comprehensive care. However, senior living is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and several options are available.
Memory Care
Memory care communities offer a secure and supportive environment designed to cater to the specific needs of individuals with memory-related conditions. Team members and caregivers are expertly trained to provide personalized care that focuses on the individual’s strengths and abilities while managing the challenges of their condition.
Skilled Nursing Care
For individuals with advanced medical needs, a skilled nursing community provides around-the-clock medical care and support. These communities are equipped to assist with complex health conditions, rehabilitation services, and long-term care in ways that surpass the capability of an assisted living community.
At The Pavilion Senior Living, for instance, our skilled nursing services specialize in:
- Speech, occupational, and physical therapies
- Specialized care
- Medication monitoring and administration
- Ambulation
- And more
Factors to Weigh in the Transition to Advanced Care
Naturally, deciding to move a loved one to a more comprehensive care setting is not taken lightly. Several key factors need to be carefully considered to make the most informed and beneficial choice for all involved.
Proximity and Accessibility
Being close to family is often invaluable. However, proximity to family and friends should be balanced against the need for specialized care, and this may mean choosing a community a little further away.
Matching Care Level to Personal Needs
The level of care your family member needs should align with the expertise and services offered by a community. A detailed assessment of your loved one’s medical, emotional, and social needs will enable you to choose the most suitable senior care option.
Community Evaluation
Visiting, checking reviews, and talking to current residents and their families can provide a clearer picture of a community. Look for signs of quality care, from the general cleanliness of the grounds to the warmth and compassion of the team member interactions.
Long-Term Considerations
While addressing immediate care needs is crucial, it is equally important to consider the long-term implications of the transition. Choosing a community that focuses on continuity of care and has options for increasing care levels can provide peace of mind for the future.
The Pavilion Senior Living does this by offering several levels of care within the same community. For instance, if your family member moves into assisted living and later needs more specialized memory care, they can easily transition without having to move to a different community.
Ultimately, embracing the necessity for more advanced senior care is a testament to the unwavering care and compassion that families have for their loved ones. In the instance that assisted living in Tennessee is no longer enough, it is not a sign of failure but rather a prompt to explore the myriad of senior care services designed to provide comfort, safety, and fulfillment.
If you would like to learn more about The Pavilion Senior Living and the care options we offer, visit our website or contact a member of our team.
