Making a Successful Transition to Assisted Living

The transition from independent life at home, or in the home of a loved one, to a memory care facility can be a difficult one for everyone involved. The uncertainty of adjustment and familiarity for your loved one can be incredibly hard, making it a decision that can never be taken lightly. 

If you are unsure how the transition to assisted living may be for your loved one, rest assured that The Cottages offer an assisted living facility that is unrivaled in Texas. The Cottages provide a different approach to Alzheimer’s assisted living by providing a welcoming, home-like environment and care from highly-qualified, loving staff. 

Benefits of Assisted Living 

The Cottages assisted living facilities are expertly designed, from an interior and exterior perspective, to provide everyone with an environment that replicates homeliving. Secure outdoor spaces and walking paths matched with the spacious interior simulates a quaint atmosphere. With seemingly endless space, the adjustment period for most residents at The Cottages is relatively short. 

Additionally, the daily routines for your loved one living at The Cottages provide them with the physical and mental activity needed to enjoy themselves. The Cottages provide scheduled activities, balanced meals and encourage relaxation periods. Also, family members are welcome to join at any time to make this transition even more fluid and meaningful. 

Quality Care 

With a high staff-to-resident ratio, the team is built to provide individual attention and care for your loved ones. They specialize in getting to know everyone from a personal standpoint to ensure they enjoy their time based on what the individual needs and desires of each resident. With no isolation, the care staff supports residents and implements a facility full of vibrant and active seniors. From a socialization perspective, The Cottages provide opportunities that may not be available at home. 

Moreover, the staff provides a lovely and friendly environment, which helps residents feel at home and eases everyone’s anxiety aboutcreating a successful transition to an assisted living facility. The Cottages is specialized in providing a premier environment to support loved ones and provide you with the comfort that they are left in great hands. 

Know the Signs: When it’s Time for Memory Care

The decision to seek memory care for a loved one can be difficult and stressful for both you and your family member living with dementia. Many people wonder about how and when the right time to seek help would be. Others question how a memory care facility can help their loved one living with Alzheimer's, dementia or other memory disorders. Knowing what to look for when one of your family members has a memory disorder can help to get care and support quickly.

Clues That Could Indicate an Underlying Concern

We all age, and as we do, our memory may be impacted in different ways. But, there is a difference between an aging mind and a memory disorder like dementia. Some signs are easier to spot, but the only way to know for sure is to consult your healthcare provider.

Common signs of dementia include:

• Repeating questions 
• Mixing words up 
• Getting lost in familiar places 
• Mood swings and emotional changes
  

While any of these signs may indicate that your loved one is beginning to experience symptoms of a memory disorder, these indicators may also be simply the result of aging. A healthcare provider can conduct tests to determine if the symptoms indicate something more than typical aging.

When you know the signs of worsening memory, you can act quickly to get help. Sometimes, memory disorders are the result of medications, head trauma or even stress in older people.

Many people who have cognitive disorders find an assisted living facility to be an immense help. The Cottages help our community residents maintaintheir independence and have freedom to enjoy their life as much as possible.

Top 5 Differences Between Independent and Assisted Living and How to Choose the Best Option for Your Loved One

Trying to choose the best senior living situation for a loved one living with early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia can be very challenging. Two of the options that can be confusing to separate are independent living and assisted living. Both are designed to support seniors while fostering independence.

Here are some of the key differences between independent living and assisted living communities.

Services and Amenities

• Assisted living provides around-the-clock care and assistance with basic life tasks as needed.
• Independent living does not offer nursing support or medical care. In an independent living community, residents function almost entirely independently.

Supportive and Medical Care

• In an assisted living community, memory care, medication management and medical appointment management are provided.
• Independent living communities are designed for those seniors who manage daily living tasks independently and don’t require medical support.

Staff Access

• Assisted living staff frequently monitor and check in on their residents and the resident’s family.
• Independent living residents don’t necessarily have daily contact with staff unless they sign up for a specific service.

Cost

• Assisted livingcost may be higher but is more likely to be covered by health insurance like Medicaid or other long-term coverage.
• Independent living communities tend to be less expensive than assisted livingbecause these are geared towards lifestyle preference, but are unlikely to be covered by any type of insurance.

Family Involvement

• Assisted living staff is available to manage residents’ daily care, even as their needs change. This helps to reduce the stress level and worry of the individual’s family. These communities work closely with the family to ensure the needs of their loved ones are being met.
• Independent living ensures the senior is no longer isolated, but family members or caregivers must still be involved in the individual’s daily life care and health issues.

Continuum of Care

• Assisted living communities are often connected to intensive memory care communities making transitions to a higher level of care much easier for senior loved ones.
• Some independent living communities may be associated with assisted living communities, although it is uncommon. In most cases, as a senior living in an independent living community needs more intensive services, they may need to move to a new and unfamiliar environment as their needs progress.