When to Move from Independent to Assisted Living

Life has a way of coming full circle. As we grow older, the roles we once knew shift—our parents, who once cared for us, may now need us to care for them. It’s a transition that can bring both deepened connections and difficult decisions, particularly when it comes to their living situation.

If your aging parent is still in their longtime home or an independent living community, you may start to notice changes that make living alone more challenging. Maybe they’re struggling with daily tasks, forgetting important medications, or experiencing frequent falls. These signs can be subtle at first, but over time, they may indicate that a move to assisted living is the safest and best option.

So, when is it time to start moving from independent living to assisted living? What are the signs that your aging parent may be ready for such a move? And how is such a move handled? Let’s get into it.

The Differences Between Independent and Assisted Living

Understanding the difference between independent and assisted living is key to knowing when it might be time for a transition. What sets them apart, and why might assisted living be the right choice for your aging parent? Keep reading to find out.

Independent living environments are any situation where a person lives independently. This could be in a house or condo, in an apartment, in a retirement community — the idea is simply that the resident is fully responsible for themselves on a daily basis, and is able to spend their days how they prefer (golfing, traveling, spoiling grandchildren, etc.).

There may be outside help involved. Perhaps a home health aide comes over once a week or even once a day, to help with daily chores and other needs. For the most part, your parent is still participating in independent living.

Assisted living, by comparison, typically takes place in an environment with round-the-clock support available from health professionals and other staff. The focus is on filling the gaps in an otherwise relatively healthy and capable senior’s day-to-day routines. Help with taking medications, getting bathed and dressed, going to and from doctors appointments, ensuring all necessary meals are enjoyed, diabetic care, and other types of care on an everyday basis can fall under the “assisted living” umbrella.

Identifying When to Move From Independent to Assisted Living

Because everyone is different, there are no hard and fast rules for when to move from independent to assisted living. Some seniors stay healthy and active for decades into their retirement, while others may need a little extra help earlier than that.

This often complicates matters, but there are clues that can help you identify when an older parent might be a good candidate for assisted living.

First to look out for are physical changes. Parents exhibiting or complaining of additional fatigue, dizziness, or loss of capability in ways that make everyday tasks more challenging or even dangerous is a clear indicator. A senior parent whose eyesight is worsening to the point where they’re no longer comfortable driving, one that is having trouble climbing stairs easily, or one that might have slipped in the shower are clear warning signs.

Secondly, cognitive changes are also something to look for. These can sometimes be more difficult to spot, as everyone has moments of minor confusion or forgetfulness. When these moments become more frequent or prolonged, and when they start having a serious impact on your parent’s quality of life, it becomes time to consider moving your parent from independent living to assisted living. Pay particular attention to whether your parent is remembering to take their medications and is keeping track of grocery inventory.

Transitioning from Independent Living to Assisted Living

If you feel it might be time for your aging parent to begin transitioning from independent to assisted living, be prepared for the possibility that they may not feel the same way. Your aging parent may not want to move or may not think they need help.

This can be a tricky situation to navigate. If you aren’t already, you can start by having an aide come to the house, which might get your parent used to receiving help and even looking forward to the visit.

To ease the move from independent living to assisted living, you will want to be as caring and involved as you’ve been. That means visiting often, and genuinely listening to their complaints. They are likely scared of the changes they’re experiencing, and they need you there for support. It’s the best thing you can do to help.

Turn to Acts for the Best for Your Older Parent

Acts is a not-for-profit organization revered for its continuing care retirement, which means retirees move to an independent living location but can transition to assisted living or skilled nursing care on the same campus at any time.

What many don’t realize is that this same great assisted living service is available to non-residents as well.

That means if your aging parent has been living on their own and is now in need of assisted living, we can assist with the transition from independent to assisted living and provide exceptional service to ensure they are genuinely well cared for by people who have made it their life’s work.

You love your older parent, and that’s why you want nothing but the best for them. Short of being there for them personally whenever they need it, moving them to a safe and supportive assisted living community is the best way to ensure all their needs are met.

Assisted Living FAQs

What is the best age to move from independent to assisted living?
Many seniors older adults transition in their late 70s or 80s, when daily tasks become more challenging, while others may need extra support earlier due to health conditions. The best time to consider the move is when living independently starts to pose safety risks or impact overall well-being, such as an increased risk of falling, forgetting to take medication, becoming unable to fully bathe themselves, etc.

Does Medicare pay for assisted living?
No, Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living. It may, however, cover certain medical expenses related to healthcare services provided within an assisted living facility, such as doctor visits, prescriptions, or physical therapy. For long-term care costs, other financial options may need to be explored.

How is most assisted living care usually paid for?
Most assisted living expenses are covered through a combination of private funds, long-term care insurance, and benefits like veterans' aid programs. Some seniors may qualify for Medicaid assistance, depending on their state and financial situation. Selling a home, using savings, or relying on family contributions are also common ways to finance assisted living.

What determines if you need assisted living?
The need for assisted living is determined by a decline in the ability to manage daily tasks independently. Signs include difficulty with personal care (bathing, dressing), medication management, mobility challenges, frequent falls, memory issues, and trouble maintaining a home or preparing meals. If these challenges are impacting safety or quality of life, assisted living can provide the necessary support while continuing to maintain a level of independence.

If your parent is showing signs of needing such services, please feel free to explore our exceptional assisted living options.

If your parent can remain independent while they prepare themselves for a day when they might need assisted living or skilled nursing care, explore our 27 independent living locations. These present a unique opportunity of independent living now, but with the promise of additional health services like assisted living if ever needed.