| The baby boom generation is rapidly aging, and the | | | | --Many of the situations mentioned above may be |
| parents of boomers are way ahead of them. If you | | | | resolved through the active involvement of a close |
| are a child of an aging parent, the decision whether | | | | friend or family member. However, for many seniors |
| or not she should move to an assisted living | | | | this kind of assistance in the home is not possible. |
| community can be a difficult, if not agonizing one for | | | | --If the senior is often alone and lonely and you |
| all parties. How do you know when it's time? Here | | | | worry about her happiness and even her safety, |
| are some things to look for. | | | | moving to an assisted living facility provides a |
| -- Is your loved one unable to care for her daily | | | | wonderful alternative to living at home. Even if a |
| needs without requiring assistance? For example, she | | | | home nurse comes into the home daily to assist her, |
| can no longer shower or cook on her own; she may, | | | | your loved one may still feel lonely most of the time. |
| in fact, not remember to take her medications | | | | At an assisted living community she can enjoy all the |
| without a little nudge from someone else. She may | | | | help she needs plus the companionship of others in |
| be otherwise vigorous and mentally sound, but if any | | | | similar circumstances and plenty of enriching and |
| of these scenarios rings a bell, it may be time. | | | | enjoyable activities. |
| --If she is chronically ill or disabled in some way, it is | | | | If you think it may be time for assisted living |
| probably time to find other living arrangements. She | | | | arrangements to be made, schedule a visit with a |
| may be unable to navigate around the house like she | | | | quality community in your area and see what it has |
| used to, and if her bedroom is upstairs she simply | | | | to offer. |
| may not be able to physically cope. | | | | |