When Living at Home is No Longer an Option for Mom

By Tamme Hackett

Obscurely blended into many of our workplace offices, PTA committees and church choir rehearsals are a quiet population of adult children. Many of them go unsung for their good deeds and are left to maintain the rigors of their own lives while simultaneously needing to sort out the life of an aging parent.   Often referred to as “caregivers”, adult children of aging parents are faced with heart wrenching decisions, sleepless nights, and sometimes uncompromising parents who are no longer safe in their homes.

Is an Assisted Living facility the answer? Will in homecare be a permanent option? How do I start the conversation? What can my parents afford? Where do I start?  Will my mom thrive in a senior living community? These are just a few of the many questions that adult children ask themselves when the inevitable time for change presents itself.   Memory loss, lack of safe mobility, poor medication management and loneliness from a lack of socialization in the home are all indicators that senior living should be considered.

For many seniors the concept of moving into an Assisted Living is a viable solution.  Assisted living is often viewed as the best of both worlds. Residents have as much independence as they want with the knowledge that personal care and support services are available if they need them. Assisted living communities are designed to provide residents with assistance with basic ADLs (activities of daily living) such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and more.

Assisted living communities range from a stand alone residence to being one level of care in a CCRC (continuing care retirement community). The physical environment of an assisted living is often more appealing to both potential residents and their families. These communities offer a more home-like atmosphere with apartment styles that typically include studio and one bedroom models. Kitchenettes usually feature a small refrigerator and microwave.

The most important point to impress upon adult children and families faced with these types of decisions is not to wait until a crisis occurs.  Reactive decisions, in emergency situations, are often taxing on everyone involved.  Early planning, touring and getting decision-makers involved in the process choosing an Assisted Living is imperative.

Setting up an informational tour at Foulk Manor South has proven to be a great place to start.   Located in Wilmington, just minutes from the city’s historic and cultural areas, Foulk Manor South is a charming community nestled among the history and tradition of the Brandywine Hundred–the perfect place to pursue new interests or just relax in the comfortable and safe setting of Assisted Living Care.  Tamme Hackett, Community Relations Director is ready and able to answer any questions about senior living care and what to expect in a setting like Foulk Manor South.  Tamme can be reached at 302-655-6249 or at www.foulkmanorsouth.com