By Nori Patnode, Certified Concierge Care Advisor
A Personal Experience: Moving My Mother to Assisted Living Before a Crisis
While I’ve helped many families move their parents into Adult Family Homes, Memory Care, or Assisted Living, I hadn’t experienced the process personally—until recently. My sisters and I had been discussing the idea of moving our mother into Independent Senior Living or Assisted Living for some time.
We started the conversation with Mom over a year ago and visited a couple of communities to make her more comfortable with the idea. Initially, she wasn’t thrilled—understandably so. Because she hadn’t suffered a crisis, however, she had the luxury of time to explore her options. Unfortunately, many families don’t get this opportunity, as they often contact me after a medical incident limits their choices.
Planning Before a Crisis Makes All the Difference
I talked with my mom about how fortunate she was to have time to think about the move, rather than waiting for a fall or other emergency. We were growing concerned about her balance, which wasn’t as steady as it once was. It became clear that waiting too long could put her at greater risk of falling.
After visiting a few Assisted Living communities, she began to feel more comfortable. As her situation at home became more tenuous, we decided to look more seriously at Assisted Living rather than Independent Living, hoping to avoid the need for another move later.
A Surprising and Positive Decision
We toured several communities and apartments, each with inviting spaces and engaging activities. To our surprise, Mom said YES! We moved her into her new apartment, and the results have already been encouraging.
By walking to the dining room for meals three times a day, she’s improving her endurance. Despite insisting that she no longer enjoyed being social, she has met new friends at mealtimes and her mood has lifted. It’s been heartwarming to see her engage with others in a way she hadn’t in some time.
The Benefits of Assisted Living Are Already Showing
The Assisted Living community offers activities that we hope Mom will explore over time. For example, they run a SAIL exercise program—proven to reduce fall risk—which could significantly benefit her. The community also offers cards, group drives, and sports games—all activities Mom has enjoyed in the past.
Our hope is that as Mom builds friendships, she will feel encouraged to join group activities. Like many seniors, she had started to isolate herself, but now, being around peers who share her interests is already making a difference in her outlook.
A Move Before a Crisis: A True Blessing
This experience has reinforced what I’ve told so many families: It’s better to move sooner rather than later. Waiting for a crisis—such as a medical emergency or a fall—often limits options and creates unnecessary stress for everyone involved.
Now that I’ve experienced it personally, I see firsthand the positive impact of making the move before a crisis. Seeing Mom thrive in her new environment has been a blessing for our entire family, and we’re grateful that we made this decision together.
We’re Here For You
If you’re considering senior living for a loved one, don’t wait until a crisis occurs. Concierge Care Advisors is here to guide you through the process and help you explore the best options. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’re here to support you and your family every step of the way.
