We thought this checklist from Maplewood Senior Living is a handy tool if you’re struggling with moving a loved one into assisted living. How do you know when it’s time? Start with these questions:
ARE YOU CONCERNED FOR YOUR LOVED ONE’S SAFETY?
• Are they likely to wander off and not be able to find their way home?
• Are you nervous that they might not make the safest decisions if left alone?
• Do you feel that you, another family member, or a hired caregiver must be with them at all times to be safe?
• Has your loved one left the stove on or left the water running for an unknown time?
ARE YOU OFTEN FRUSTRATED, PHYSICALLY ILL OR SHORT-TEMPERED?
• Do you feel like you’ve given up who you are as a person, in order to fulfill the role as a caregiver?
• Are you low on energy and falling ill more frequently as a result of your role of caregiving?
• Is it hard to maintain your composure when tending to personal care needs routinely or answering the same questions over and again due to your loved one’s memory impairment?
DO YOU FEEL YOUR LOVED ONE’S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING COULD BE IMPROVED?
• Do you struggle with helping your loved one realize the importance of taking medications on a regular basis?
• Do you often argue with your loved one over care decisions?
• Do you feel like the care needed has grown beyond your capabilities?
• Is your loved one refusing to eat, bathe or get dressed routinely?
ARE YOU MISSING FAMILY/WORK EVENTS DUE TO INCREASING CARE NEEDS?
• Have you missed family reunions or gatherings due to caring for your loved one?
• Have you or your family members missed work due to caregiving obligations?
• Are you missing events for your children/grandchildren because the needs of your loved one keep you from having the freedom to leave at will?
