By Erin Kershaw, Certified Senior Advisor at Concierge Care Advisors
Making the Right Choice: When Is It Time to Move to a Senior Living Community?
At Concierge Care Advisors, we are deeply committed to keeping seniors safe—whether that’s in their own home or in a community that provides supportive services. We understand that no one wants to move to an Adult Family Home or Assisted Living Community. As I often tell the adult children of my clients, I have a “100% dissatisfaction rate”—meaning none of my clients want to move, but every family member breathes a sigh of relief once the transition happens.
While some seniors can safely remain at home with support from in-home care, there comes a time when it’s important to evaluate the sustainability of that option. In-home care is a valuable resource, but if you’re carefully managing funds, paying for long-term care at home can become a financial burden. It’s critical to plan ahead so you don’t exhaust resources, leaving limited options when a move becomes necessary.
Evaluating the Need for a Move: Key Signs to Watch For
Not every situation requires a move, but if you’re noticing the following signs, it may be time to explore senior living options. Moving into a community that offers 24/7 care, socialization, and medical support could provide the peace of mind you and your loved one need.
Ask yourself these questions to determine whether staying at home is still the best option:
- Frequent Phone Calls About Care Needs
- Are you on the phone almost daily with family or friends, coordinating your loved one’s care?
- Repeated Hospitalizations
- Has your loved one been admitted to the hospital multiple times recently?
- Mixed Messages About Moving
- Does your loved one say they want to move, only to change their mind and insist on staying home?
- Lack of Socialization
- Does your loved one have little to no interaction with people their own age? Even those with dementia benefit from social engagement.
- Medication Issues
- Have you noticed they are forgetting doses or not taking their medication correctly?
- Multiple Falls
- Has your loved one experienced falls or injuries that raise safety concerns?
- Challenges with Mobility and Outings
- Is it becoming increasingly difficult to take your loved one to doctor appointments or other outings?
- Recommendations from Medical Professionals
- Have doctors, nurses, social workers, or physical therapists suggested a move to assisted living or a similar environment?
When Home Care Is No Longer Enough
It’s important to note that we are not anti-home care—in fact, in-home care can be an excellent solution for many seniors. However, if you find yourself spending significant time, money, and emotional energy just to maintain the status quo, you may be applying a temporary fix to a long-term issue.
When these challenges become frequent, it may be time to explore other options, such as assisted living, memory care, or Adult Family Homes. Planning proactively ensures that, if your loved one eventually needs to transition to a Medicaid-supported community, you’re not caught off guard by limited availability or unexpected delays.
Free Guidance from a Senior Living Advisor: Explore Your Options Today
Deciding whether to move a loved one is never easy, but you don’t have to navigate this process alone. Meeting with a Senior Living Advisor is free, and our experienced team at Concierge Care Advisors will help you explore all available options—from in-home care to Adult Family Homes—so you can make the best decision for your loved one’s care.
Our goal is to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while preserving your peace of mind. Whether your family decides to stay with in-home care or explore a new living arrangement, we’ll provide expert advice and support every step of the way.
Reach Out Today
If you’re seeing signs that home care may no longer be enough, it’s time to explore your options. Contact Concierge Care Advisors today for a free consultation and find the right solution to keep your loved one safe and happy.
