When is it time to move a parent to assisted living? The search for a retirement home is often precipitated by major change, a season of transition. When seniors and their families walk into our homes with emotions running high.

To help you decide whether the time is right for Senior Living, particularly Assisted Living, we offer this decision guide. Retirement options are brighter and wider than ever before in history. Yet all those choices can sometimes only lead to confusion. So, our first advice is to clearly identify what you’re trying to solve, with an eye not just to next year, but to the next 5-10 years.

Assisted Living is a relatively new idea. In the late 1990s, our culture realized that the town nursing home was often a dour choice. Institutional. Depressing. No real home at all.

We also realized many seniors didn’t require a nurse—just a little help with daily living. And as our nation’s treasures, they certainly deserved not only to survive, but to thrive amid fine dining, libraries, fitness centers and creative programs. Built on a European social model, Assisted Living is a new paradigm in wellness and engagement.

Finding the Ideal Senior Community

Ah, Google. There you will find more senior living choices than you can imagine. Too many, really. So first narrow the field geographically, then limit yourself to 3-4 candidates within the needed category: 55+ community, continuing care retirement community, independent living, assisted living, memory care or skilled nursing.

Touring

The adult child (or healthier spouse) is typically given the initial legwork. We recommend you tour no more than two communities in a day (or risk becoming overwhelmed).

On an initial tour, expect a lot of details. Take notes (download our Senior Communities Comparison Chart. But try to focus on the overall ambiance also. Begin to weigh value against cost.

If you like what you see and hear, return to your top two with your loved one for a more social tour. Revisit your preferred choices at different times of day on different days of the week.

Consider a trial stay to take Senior Living “for a spin and see how it feels.”

Starting the Conversation with Your Beloved Senior

Pick a time and place that’s relaxed. Gather important family members. Then start slow. This is not a once-for-all conversation; it often comes in stages. Still, you might be surprised. Perhaps your loved one has been thinking about this very thing for some time. Don’t forget to include the benefits for the whole family in your discussion.

For as much as we all resist change, we know from near continuous experience, that change also brings invigorating new relationships, joys and adventure. The structure and society offered in Assisted Living communities can bring a return of healthy routines and healthier lives. Our “Conversation Guide” goes into even greater depth (ask for your copy). Download our Monthly Expense Comparison to study current living expenses against proposed living expenses.

Talk it Up

Speak with friends about Senior Living to glean from their experience and advice. Consult with trusted advisors: physician, attorney, stockbroker, pastor, in-home health providers and others who have already guided you through major life decisions.

Who Should Make the Decision?

This often comes down to a consensus among several family members. The senior him or herself, even if suffering from dementia, must be given a voice.

Afterall, we’re talking about their new home. Their new adventure. Yes, they may be losing some capabilities, but our human spirit craves dignity, independence and choice.

When It’s All Said and Done

In the end, don’t let the complexities of this decision mask the fact that your instincts are to be trusted. One place will just feel like home. And the staff will feel like family. You’ll know it straight away.

We hope that one place is MorningStar.

MorningStar Senior Living exemplifies the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create true homes for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please contact us for help deciding if it is time to move a parent to assisted living.