Transitioning from Independent to Assisted Living

Individuals who must move to an assisted living facility often fear losing all or most of their independence. Senior care centers in Smyrna offer assisted living apartments where individuals or couples can live with as much independence as is allowed to adequately maintain their health. This allows them to live on their own while still having the benefit of nurses and aids who can help them if they need it.

Senior care centers Camden provides counseling to both residents and their families when it comes to decision to transition from one level of care to another. They provide tips to both parties that will help them make the transition smoothly and without causing feelings of loss. Gradually allowing a person to become accustomed to a higher level of care will help. This allows them to retain as much freedom as possible, while still ensuring all of their physical and emotional needs are being met.

Residents who are suffering from progressive illnesses like Alzheimer’s, arthritis and emphysema, may have already prepared themselves for a higher level of care and welcome the change. Staff at senior care centers Camden can help residents adapt their living areas to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers, allowing them more time in their own residence. This gradual increase in care, can make the transition from a semi-independent apartment to one of the senior care centers in Smyrna a smooth one.

Allowing residents to help make the choice to move can also make it much less traumatizing. One of the most important things to an elderly person who has lived independently for most of their lives, is remaining in control of both themselves and their environment. Handing that control over to a nurse or caregiver can dramatically affect how they perceive their quality of life. It is important for them to be involved in the decision making process.

When a person is relatively healthy, but their mind is failing, they may not be able to assist in the decision making process. Patients with Alzheimer’s or an advanced case of dementia, may not have the mental capacity to make the decision on their own. In this case, the move may be extremely difficult for all involved. Staff members of the long term care facility can ease this type of transition by continuing to treat the patient with the utmost respect and dignity.

The author, Leo Gomes is a well-known writer on elder living, senior housing related topics.He shares his valuable views through his articles about senior living,assisted living.