As the holiday season ends and a new year begins, the search for senior care tends to increase. For many families, the holiday season comes with the realization that mom or dad may need more care in the near future. The new year is a time where families begin researching next steps in their search for senior care options for their loved ones. However, with so many care options to choose from, senior living communities have the unique opportunity to provide guidance, education, and informational resources that ultimately help families make the best long-term care decision.

Many families might be wondering if their loved one can still live on their own or if it’s time to look into senior care. While this can be a hard decision, understanding when it’s time for senior care can ultimately help guide a family’s next steps. There are common signs or changes that families can look out for that represent when it could be time for senior or memory care. Changes in an aging parent’s life can generate the need for a family to begin to explore care options. According to the CDC, “each year, 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.” A change, such as a fall, can lead a family to begin the process of researching, calling or even touring a senior care community. Understanding when it is time for a family to make the switch to senior living for their aging parents can help senior living communities provide education and resources to families looking for guidance on future care. 

Senior living communities can help guide families into making the best decision for their loved ones by asking a few questions: 

• Does mom or dad need assistance with everyday needs? Eating, showering, laundry, etc? 
• Does mom or dad need diet or nutrition help?
• Does mom or dad need medication management?
• What is the budget for care? Financial options are available based on care needs.  

While a family is reaching out to a senior living community, the question regarding financial requirements may be top of mind. Ultimately the families ask themselves the question of how they will pay for mom and dad’s care. As a senior living community, you have the opportunity to be the subject matter expert on the financial options that could be the best fit for the family and their needs. ElderLife Financial Services recently published an article, “Talking With Your Family About How to Pay for Senior Care” that outlines financial options to help future residents understand what is available to them. 

Making the decision to transition mom or dad to senior care can be difficult. SilverAssist is dedicated to providing your community the resources and tools to educate families and prospective residents in making the most informed decision to transition their loved one to senior care.