Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions » Getting started
My mother is asking me to promise her that if she moves to Assisted Living that she won't have to move again. The people at the community are telling me that they feel she'll be able to live there her entire life. Is this true?
We all hope that your mother doesn't have to move again; and I'm quite certain that you would be supportive of that idea as well. Assisted Living communities make decisions as to how much care they provide. They are required by law to provide you with information regarding their admission and resident retention criteria. You should fully understand these parameters before making the move; and you really should work with a Referral Agent who can help you consider your options.
It is not wise to overpromise things to your mother which you cannot necessarily guarantee. You are not certain if your mother will develop more acute needs and need to be hospitalized; or if she will become weak and need therapy to be able to return to the assisted living community. More and more, services are being brought into the assisted living community to meet the changing and growing needs of older adults.
It may very well be necessary and wise for another move to occur down the road. If your mother is no longer enjoying the benefits of this social living style, or if the staff is not able to appropriately care for your mother down the road, another move will need to occur.
Your mother is likely asking you to make her a promise, because she feels that she's losing control over her life. Assure her that you will include her again in making decisions if the time comes to move somewhere that offers a higher level of care.
For assistance with arranging for in-home care or for help choosing a senior housing or care community call CHOICE at 800-361-0138.
Last update: 2007-03-23 15:24
Author: Support
Revision: 1.1
