Frequently Asked Questions

Is an assisted living facility right for you?

If you’re trying to decide whether assisted living is right for you, ask yourself the following questions:

Do you need more help than family and friends are able to provide? Are the activities of daily living becoming stressful or overwhelming?

If family or in-home help is not able to bridge the gap, assisted living is an option.

Do you feel lonely or isolated at home?

Having an active social life is vital to your health and happiness. Being alone much of the time is a recipe for depression. The social aspect of assisted living is a huge benefit. Good facilities offer a range of social and recreational activities. And the community environment also gives the opportunity to make new friends.

Do you worry for your safety?

Perhaps your mobility is limited, making it difficult to get out of bed by yourself, for example. Maybe you’re afraid of what might happen if you or your family member experiencing a medical emergency and being unable to get help.

Are you tired of maintaining a home?

There are a lot of responsibilities that come with living in your own home. Assisted living facilities can provide a home-like atmosphere, without the work of cooking, cleaning, shopping for groceries, and doing laundry.

Is transportation an issue?

Helen’s Place does not provide transportation to and from medical appointments but can assist in setting up transportation using a local transportation company. The cost of the transportation will be the responsibility of the resident.

Signs that a parent might need assisted living

It’s not always easy to tell when your parent needs more help. The following warning signs may indicate that it’s time for a talk about assisted living.

• ✓ The refrigerator is empty or filled with spoiled food or your parent is losing weight. These may be signs that he or she isn’t eating well because shopping or cooking is difficult.
• ✓ You notice frequent bruises, although your parent may try to cover them up. This may be a sign of falling or mobility and balance problems.
• ✓ Your parent wears the same clothes over and over again or neglects personal hygiene. This can indicate that doing laundry and bathing is physically challenging.
• ✓ The house and yard isn’t as clean and tidy as it used to be.
• ✓ Your parent forgets things, including doctor’s appointments and when to take medication. This may be due to memory loss.
• ✓ Your parent seems depressed. Depression is common in seniors who are isolated and alone.
• ✓ You notice strange or inappropriate behavior. For example, your parent may dress inappropriately for the weather. This can be a sign that your parent is experiencing confusion.

Tips for making the transition to assisted living easier

Life in an assisted living facility is an undeniable adjustment. In addition to a new living environment, you are meeting new residents and getting used to the staff.

This can feel stressful in the beginning. But there are things you can do to make the transition easier.

• ✓ Pack well in advance of the move. Don’t add to the stress of the actual move by putting yourself in a position where you’ll need to make hasty decisions about what to take and what to keep.
• ✓ Know what to expect. Do your homework on the facility. It will be less stressful if you know what to expect. Read all the materials before you move in and make sure all of your questions are answered ahead of time.
• ✓ Stay busy. You may be tempted to stay in your room or living space, but you’ll feel comfortable much quicker if you get out there to meet the residents, participate in activities, and explore the facility.
• ✓ Go easy on yourself. Everyone adjusts to change differently, However, if you feel like you’re taking longer than you think you should to adjust, it may help to talk to your family members, the director of the facility, or a trusted friend.