Category: Caregiving

Helping your parents transition into senior living starts with an open discussion that keeps their needs, wishes, and best interests at the forefront of the conversation. This decision can be challenging, but unthreading the intricacies involved will ultimately help everyone feel more stable. Here are some questions for your family to consider:

• How do your parents feel about where they live now?
• What are their current care needs, and how much will those services cost?

Perhaps the most important question to address, however, is whether your parents should move into an assisted living community, independent living community, or a nursing home. In this article, we’ll discuss assisted living communities specifically – how to choose the right one, which questions to ask, and how to make the move.

Touring

As you’re researching assisted living communities, one of the first considerations that you’ll encounter is location. What makes sense for your parents? (Do they want to stay in the city where they’ve always lived, or, if you live a few states away from them, does it make more sense for them to be closer to you?) Then research the community that’s right for them in that area. Come up with a few options, and go visit those communities – because even though their online photos will most likely look welcoming, you’ll want to walk the corridors and feel the atmosphere yourself.

Visit at least three assisted living communities. Schedule a tour during mealtime, so you can sample the restaurant fare. Talk to the staff. Mingle with the other residents and sit in on an activity – anything from an exercise class to a lecture series – to gauge how deeply those workshops have been planned and how effectively they’re presented. Ask questions. Take notes. Try to wander off the tour circuit, if possible, observing the gardens, taking in the views and walking around the on-site amenities and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Bear in mind that even if a certain community seems ideal – great price-point, stellar amenities, friendly reception, excellent kKey lime pie – it may not match up with your parents’ personalities. Some people prefer a patio with plenty of sunlight and a pineapple-beetroot amuse-bouche. Others of us are library-and-fireplace people who look forward to rainy nights with a novel and a glass of scotch. Your parents might like the food in one location, the residents in another, and the amenities and ambience of a third. Weigh all those options equally as your family decides which one is ultimately best for them.

Care services

Yes, you want to choose a community that matches your parents’ personalities, but one of the most important considerations to weigh is the community’s care services. You have most likely chosen assisted living, because, while you want your parents to continue their independent lifestyle, you also want them to benefit from living somewhere that can help with activities of daily living (or “ADLs”) if needed – such as bathing, getting dressed, and assistance with medication management. Be sure to discuss how the community will assess the level of care that your parents require. Take time to meet the nurses or caregivers on staff, if possible. Make sure that, if you do move your parents into a certain community, all the services and ADLs that they require will be provided and will be within your budget.

Packing and downsizing

Now that you’ve visited the communities in your area, you’re ready to commit to a decision and complete the transition – which involves packing.

Budget some time for this step, because it may take a while for your parents to consolidate their possessions. Remember how attached they may be to certain items in their house. Pictures or letters they’ve stored away and haven’t seen in years may evoke memories, so listen to them as they decide what they’re willing to part with – and what they want to hold on to. Be prepared to make lists of people to contact in case your uncle or cousin might want an armoire or a children’s book that’s belonged to your family for generations.

As you pack, be thinking about how you’re going to make the move. Will you transport your parents’ belongings to their new community one carload at a time? Will you hire movers? Decide on the date and time of the move, and the resources you’ll need, way ahead of schedule, so that you don’t run into any surprises come moving day.

Getting involved in activities

Once your parents are all moved into their new homes, it may be a good idea to visit them more frequently for the first few weeks or months, just to make sure they’re enjoying their new surroundings. Review their care assessment to stay apprised of any changes to their health. Encourage them to attend events in the community, so they can meet other residents. Talk to the staff and ask how they’re acclimating, and what arrangements or modifications might be made to make them feel more comfortable.

Staying involved

Do whatever you can to help your parents become well -situated, and if the usual 90-day acclimation period has passed and they feel as if a certain assisted living community isn’t the right fit for them, it’s okay to start the process over. Follow the steps we’ve listed above and listen to how your parents feel about the communities you visit. If this process sounds overwhelming, that’s okay, too. Contact us today to talk to a director of a community near you, so we can answer any of your questions about assisted living.

If you or someone you know wants to learn more about Atria, visit AtriaSeniorLiving.com/FindACommunity to discover the location nearest you.

Diane worried about leaving the hospital. She’d been admitted, again, for losing consciousness due to a health issue that caused her blood oxygen level to drop.

“It’s scary to wake up on the floor and not realize what happened,” she said. “Since I live alone, my family and I decided I should recuperate at Atria to make sure the new treatment plan from my doctor works. If not, somebody will be there to help.”

Diane is staying at an Atria community while she recuperates. Short-term stays offer older people like her an excellent way to receive the care and support they need while recovering from an illness or surgery. Short-term stay guests enjoy a furnished, private apartment plus all the same services, amenities and social opportunities available to Atria residents.

A short-term stay is also a great way to see what senior living is like.

A better outcome

When an older person is discharged from a hospital or rehabilitation facility, their recovery depends largely on following doctors’ orders. Are they taking medications properly? Adhering to their new diet? Keeping follow-up appointments?

For people who live alone, no longer drive and may possibly be dealing with a number of chronic health conditions, compliance is often a struggle. As a result, their recovery can suffer and they risk a setback, which could lead to another hospital or rehab stay.

“A lot of short-term stay guests come to Atria due to health issues,” said Karen Devaney, Atria’s National Director of Care Management.

“Short stays offer a way for people to recover with trained staff available around the clock to make sure they’re doing everything they need to do,” Devaney added. “We also provide their meals, housekeeping, drive them to appointments and offer opportunities to connect with others.

“Short-term stay guests go through the same initial care assessment as residents before move-in. The care coordination they receive is also the same.”

So, instead of juggling instructions from numerous healthcare providers, a short-term stay guest can focus on recovering while Atria manages the rest. Care coordination also makes sure everyone involved in a person’s well-being is on the same page – from doctors, nurses and physical therapists to caregivers and family members.

A quick solution

A short-term stay often comes to the rescue for families facing a sudden or unexpected situation. An older family member may be discharged from the hospital or rehab sooner than anticipated and needs a place to recover. Families may discover an older relative’s living environment is no longer safe.

“Our door is always open,” stated Pamela Filby, Atria’s Vice President of Sales. “When a person needs to move quickly, a short-term stay provides a furnished apartment on short notice, with support available around the clock.”

Knowing their older relative is safe and cared for gives family members time to more thoughtfully explore their options.

A welcome change

When it comes to taking a break, short-term stays go both ways.

Caregivers occasionally need time off to rest and recharge. Maybe they’re planning a vacation with their spouse and children and need to make arrangements for Mom. Since short-term stay guests enjoy the same services, dining options, amenities and social opportunities as residents, the break can be a welcome change for her, too.

On the other hand, perhaps an older family member would like to enjoy a long visit with relatives in another state but doesn’t want to stay in a hotel or the family’s home.

“We have regulars,” said Filby. “We jokingly call them ‘frequent fliers.’ It’s a nice way for them to get to know the community.

“We even have couples who book short-term stays at communities in Florida, just to get away and have everything handled for them.”

A toe in the water

“Sometimes a family is reluctant to make a move and sell the home, even if they’ve started to realize their parent needs more care,” Filby explained. “We suggest families try a temporary stay while sorting things out.”

For active older adults who don’t need daily support but are ready to downsize and let go of the cooking, cleaning and home maintenance, a short-term stay is an ideal way to try out senior living. After a short-term stay, many realize how much more fulfilling their lives can be when surrounded by daily opportunities to pursue new interests and hobbies in a community of friendly neighbors.

“I hope more families take advantage of short-term stays because the benefits can be tremendous,” said Filby.

If you or someone you know could benefit from a short-term stay at Atria, visit AtriaSeniorLiving.com/FindACommunity to discover the community nearest you.

At Atria, we believe the right amount of discreet personal care can help older people participate, grow and engage in what brings them purpose and joy.

We also believe in supporting families by doing everything we can to reassure them their parent is safe, well cared for and meaningfully connected to others.

Sheila and Rochelle

After her husband of 59 years passed away, Rochelle didn’t want to live alone. Friends suggested senior living, and her daughter, Sheila, traveled to North Carolina to help search for options. After touring Atria Southpoint Walk, they made their decision.

“It was wonderful,” Sheila said. “We knew within 10 minutes this was the place.”

A self-professed social butterfly, Rochelle settled right in. She loved the full calendar of events, friendly neighbors and chef-prepared meals. Sheila was relieved to see her mother gaining back the weight she’d lost after her father passed away.

Two years later, Rochelle took a fall. Sheila came to visit from Illinois while her mother recuperated. During treatment, doctors noticed a bit of memory loss and diagnosed Rochelle with mild dementia.

“Dementia doesn’t run in our family, so I didn’t know what to do,” said Sheila. “That’s when I started Googling.”

Sheila discovered Atria Glenview 10 minutes from her home in Illinois. Rochelle’s dementia was mild enough for her to move into assisted living, with specialized care available in the community’s Life Guidance^® memory care neighborhood, if needed.

“It was much like the independent living community Mom came from so it was a good fit,” stated Sheila. “But knowing she had help taking her medications and staff to make sure she was eating was such a relief.”

Eventually, Rochelle’s dementia progressed, and she moved to Life Guidance. Sheila said the staff at Atria were there for both of them, every step of the way. The team not only provided compassionate, highly personalized care for her mother, they helped Sheila understand more about dementia, what to expect and ways to cope with her own feelings – through support groups and phone calls at least twice a week from Life Guidance Director Kelly Burnett.

“The regular contact eases my mind,” Sheila added. “I’ve been able to express my own fears and concerns without being dismissed. I can’t tell you how much that matters.

“When you think of all the changes that have happened with my mom, having Atria on our side to guide us has been invaluable. I don’t think people realize how deep the support can go at Atria.”

Jack and Richard

Jack gets around. The 89-year-old resident of Atria Oakridge in North Carolina knows every dining room server by name and most of his neighbors, too. Before COVID-19, he loved playing the piano during ice cream socials.

“Dad is really outgoing,” said his son, Richard. “He enjoys talking with people, and he’s sharp as a tack. He’s thoroughly enamored with Atria.”

Jack came to live at the community a few years ago after his wife moved into a skilled nursing facility. Richard lives 600 miles away and didn’t want to worry about his father living alone.

“I don’t think it would do him well to be on his own completely,” said Richard. “It’s not safe for someone his age.

“Since he’s been at Atria, I’m confident he’s in good hands. I never have to worry. That’s priceless to me.”

Holly and Martin

Martin moved to Atria Sugar Land in Texas four years ago. At 93, he often forgets to wear a face mask when leaving his apartment. Lucky for him, staff find creative ways to help; lately, they’ve been hanging a face mask on his walker with a friendly message reminding him to wear it.

“They’ve hired really great people,” said Martin’s daughter, Holly. “I work in education, so I know in any school system you can be in the worst building with great teachers or the best building with bad teachers. It’s all about the people.”

When searching for senior living, Holly and her father explored several communities to find one that was warm and welcoming. The day they toured Atria, Martin’s wife was too sick to join them.

“I told them we’d have one less for lunch, so the staff packed a meal to take with us for my stepmom,” continued Holly. “Little things like that speak volumes.”

Knowing her father has support around the clock gives Holly and her siblings comfort. Two years ago, Martin’s health issues required a hospital stay. After returning to Atria, he was weak and needed extra support. Staff escorted him to meals and checked on him several times throughout the night.

“Just knowing that attention was there lifted a big weight off our shoulders,” said Holly.

Regular communication also puts her mind at ease.

“That’s huge,” she said. “You want to know what’s going on and they keep us updated by email and phone.

“It’s clear to see they really care about residents. And I don’t have to worry.”

 

Discover how empowering the right care can be at Atria Senior Living at ExploreAtriaCare.com.

Have you ever needed a car repair and found yourself at the mercy of a friend, taxi or subway? The ability to drive means freedom, and without it you have to rely on other, less convenient means of transportation.

Even temporary inconveniences like these remind us that being our own driver is a privilege, and for older adults who can no longer drive safely, losing this privilege can be difficult for them and for you. Mom or Dad may be reluctant to hand over the car keys, and you might worry about how they’ll get around in the future.

Telling your parent it’s time to stop driving can feel like grounding your teenager all over again. The primary concern is safety (for your parent and for other drivers), so don’t let fear stop you from intervening. It’s also important to know when to do so. Age alone isn’t a predictor of poor driving, and caregivers should understand what factors to look for:

1. Altered Driving Behavior
Has Dad stopped driving long distances, even though he loves his annual road trip? Is he reluctant to drive at night or in bad weather? Has Mom been in an accident or had a few close calls? Do they miss important street signs and signals or seem “on edge” while driving? If yes, these behaviors can indicate that they no longer feel comfortable behind the wheel.

2. Hearing/Vision Impairment
Has Mom or Dad complained about poor vision, or do they seem hard of hearing lately? Good vision and hearing are critical for safe driving. Aside from the natural decline in eyesight that comes with aging, a number of eye conditions can also hinder an aging adult’s ability to focus and use their peripheral vision to detect pedestrians, traffic lights and other vehicles. A decline in hearing may impair your loved one’s ability to detect external cues such as sirens or a car horn.

3. Slowed Reaction Time
Safe driving requires quick thinking and the ability to multi-task. As with vision and hearing, cognitive decline also accompanies aging, and can hinder your parent’s ability to quickly react to unexpected scenarios (i.e., sudden braking or swerving to avoid a collision).

4. Medical Conditions
Discomfort from arthritis can cause older adults to restrict their movements, which could impair their ability to drive safely. Joint pain can compromise a person’s ability to fasten a seat belt, glance over the shoulder to assess traffic and even securely grip the steering.

Memory impairment – especially Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia – can also affect driving abilities. Can Mom remember where the grocery is? Does she routinely get lost or miss turns?

5. Medication Usage
While prescription medications can greatly improve the quality of life for aging adults, they can also put them at risk. Certain medications or drug interactions may have side effects that impair safe driving. If Mom or Dad’s prescription(s) have changed recently, be sure to check the labels for warnings and double-check with their doctor about possible drug interactions.

To get a firsthand look at your parent’s ability behind the wheel, offer to ride along with them the next time they run an errand. Take note of any of the behaviors mentioned above and discuss with another caregiver or family member to see if they have noticed the same behaviors.

Then, ask your Mom or Dad if they feel comfortable driving. If you have concerns, tell them specifically what you noticed, and suggest a checkup with their physician to assess their vision and hearing and any medical conditions that could impact driving safety. Regular doctors visits can help ensure that Mom or Dad is able to continue driving safely.

For individuals who may not be able to independently manage all of their post-hospitalization care, understanding next steps and care options is critical for a smooth recovery. A hospital discharge planner or case manager is typically responsible for helping patients and their families navigate the process of planning for a hospital discharge.

The discharge planner or case manager may recommend an assisted living facility (ALF) or a skilled nursing facility (SNF) for assistance during recovery. Understanding what these hospital discharge plans entail can help families make an informed decision about care.

Assisted living facility (ALF)

An ALF is a residential care option that resembles an apartment complex. Assisted living residents receive help with activities of daily living (ADLs), like getting dressed, bathing, medication management and transferring (moving from one place to another) – all provided by trained staff.

ALFs also offer services such as meals, housekeeping, laundry and events designed to foster connection.

Who can live in an ALF?

Eligibility for living in an ALF varies according to each state’s regulations, but it generally involves needing assistance with at least two ADLs.

In addition to assisted living, many senior living communities offer independent living. There aren’t minimum care requirements for independent living, and choosing a community that offers both living options allows residents to age in place as their care needs change. It can also offer couples with different care needs the ability to live together while having access to the right level of support.

How to pay for assisted living

ALFs are private pay. Though you may be planning an assisted living short-term stay due to increased care needs, these communities are not covered by Medicare or health insurance. Depending on the policy, long-term care insurance may cover assisted living.

Skilled nursing facility (SNF)

SNFs, or skilled nursing facilities, are designed for individuals requiring a higher level of medical care, often involving nursing staff and regular medical procedures.

Who can live in a SNF?

Skilled nursing facilities offer a level of care that can only be administered by trained, registered nurses. For those with acute or chronic illness, a SNF may be the best option for providing adequate care. This might include wound care, injections, ostomy care and tube feedings.

How to pay for a SNF

Sometimes referred to as nursing homes, SNFs offer various payment options, though it’s important to note that Medicare does not cover long-term stays. Under specific conditions, Medicare may cover a SNF for a limited time.

Those considering a SNF should be prepared to use personal assets for care costs until potentially qualifying for state assistance programs like Medicaid. The admissions office at the SNF may be able to help you apply for Medicaid.

Finding the right care

When older adults are in the hospital, physicians and case managers may think a SNF is the only answer. However, assisted living can offer a safe and engaging nursing home alternative, providing the necessary care without the costs associated with intensive medical services.
Receiving a thorough care assessment by an ALF can help your family determine if assisted living can meet your needs.

Looking for assisted care facilities near you? Browse nearby communities.

November marked National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, and education and fundraising are thriving to help those facing the demands of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. But, if you and your family are directly affected, you know that what you are experiencing isn’t contained to one designated month of the year. Regular, routine activities can feel like chores, communication can be difficult and family dynamics can get lost in a sea of tasks.

So when your to-do list includes making sure your bills are paid, that mom has taken her second dose of medications for the day, the dog has been walked and you have met a critical work deadline, what’s the best way to squeeze in some quality family time?

Research has shown that remaining socially active and connected with others can actually delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Deepening a familial bond is especially important for everyone in a family affected by Alzheimer’s disease; as a caregiver, you need to feel that you have the love and support of your siblings, friends and spouses. And, of course, grandkids need to feel like grandparents are still a part of their lives.

These tips will help you make the most of family time when Alzheimer’s has taken a seat at the table:

 

• Introduce yourself and all family members any time it seems necessary – don’t let unprecedented unfamiliarity keep you from missing a beat. Re-introduce yourself with a big smile as often as needed to keep the connection with your family member.
• Create together. Work on something meaningful, such as flower arranging, scrapbooking or writing letters. Consider what your mom or dad have always enjoyed doing and incorporate their talents and interests into your choice of activity.
• Reminisce! Talk about earlier days, discuss special memories or ask questions about an important time in mom’s life, like the day she got married or how it felt to ride a roller coaster for the first time.
• A good rule of thumb: quality over quantity. Short visits are just fine. Don’t get too hung up on the amount of time you are spending together. It’s the quality of that time spent as a family that counts.
• Get outside! There is a calming effect  to being in nature, so enjoy some outdoor time in a secure area or go for a walk if the entire group is able and willing.
• Involve friendly pets. Animals are an unending source of unconditional love, and family members with dementia respond very well to this boundless energy.
• Bring conversation starters with you when you visit. Look through old photos or bring personal items to spark pleasant memories and prompt conversation.
• Start a ritual with your family member. Set a standing tea date, jigsaw puzzle time, exercise hour or watch an old movie together every Thursday night. It doesn’t matter what you do; rather, it’s the routine and the established day and time that helps with your family member’s disease.

It may take a bit more effort, but spending time as a family can be just as rewarding when a loved one has dementia. Once you are accustomed to doing what it takes to deepen your connection, you’ll find you get as much benefit out of it as your mom or dad. Remember: Focus on the person, not the disease, and find new and meaningful ways to connect using these tips.