5 Signs That Assisted Living Is Right for You

According to an AARP survey, over 77 percent of adults aged 50 and older want to remain in their homes as they grow older. However, aging in place might not be the best choice for every person. Some might be better off in retirement communities, while others might thrive in senior apartments. Of course, some older adults might fare best in an assisted living facility! Here are 5 signs that assisted living might be right for you.

1. You need assistance with activities of daily living.

ADLs (or activities of daily living) are basic actions, such as eating, bathing, and getting in and out of bed. Even walking falls into this category! If brushing your teeth or fixing yourself a meal has become a struggle, it might be time to consider assisted living.

2. You’d like more socialization opportunities.

Making friends is hard at any age, but it may be especially difficult for seniors. According to the CDC, social isolation is linked to serious health problems, including dementia and strokes. Most assisted living facilities offer numerous ways for residents to make friends and build the support system so important to one’s mental, emotional, and physical health. From clubs to scheduled outings to game nights, there’s no shortage of social opportunities to be found!

3. You crave a stress-life lifestyle.

Nobody likes doing chores. Laundry can pile up all too quickly, and vacuuming the same rug over and over is tedious. For older adults, it might be physically difficult on top of monotonous. Sure, you can always ask your friends and family to pitch in, but even they might struggle to keep up with all your chores. If you (and those close to you) are stressed, it might be time to look into assisted living.

Read Next: A Boomer’s Guide to Relieving Stress

4. You’re struggling with nutrition.

Cooking can be difficult, even under the best of circumstances. Plus, cooking requires ingredients, and ingredients require grocery shopping—an arduous task for some seniors. Good nutrition is important for people of all ages, but it’s even more imperative as we age. Assisted living facilities serve fresh, nutritious meals daily. Better yet, they can make meals that account for certain dietary restrictions and needs!

5. Your doctor recommends it.

Doctors always try to keep their patients’ best interests at heart. Additionally, they have medical insight that can shed further light on why you should look into assisted living. So, if your doctor informs you or a caregiver that it’s time to consider assisted living, don’t just ignore their advice. You deserve to be safe, happy, and well taken care of—especially in your golden years.

Are you over 50 and looking for housing?

Whether you live alone or with a partner, or, actively seeking a roomie, here are some resources to check out:

• Shared Housing For Seniors and Retirees
• How to Find Affordable Housing For Seniors
• Shared Housing For Seniors & Retirees: Where Do I Start?
• Intergenerational Housing: 5 Things to Consider
• 5 Tips to Help You Find a Roommate After 60