5 Signs That Show It Is Time For An Assisted Living Center

The process of deciding the best living situation for an elderly parent or loved one can be challenging. At a certain point, you may be forced to face the daunting decision of moving your family member from their own home into an assisted living center or group home. But how do you know when it is time for an assisted living center? What is the the right choice for your loved one? Read on to help guide you through the decision-making process and whether assisted living is now necessary for your senior:

1. Their current home is not fit for their aging needs

Your senior may need an assisted living center if their current living situation isn’t providing a safe or easy environment for them to function. Some of the signs include:

Mobility in and around the home is challenging; they may have difficulty with stairs or if they need to use a walker or wheel chair the hallways in an older home may not allow enough space for them to move.
Upkeep of the home is costly; homes require maintenance and that can be expensive, especially on a fixed income.
Location of the home is far from family; at a certain point it may be better for Mom or Dad to live closer to adult children or other family members.
The home is larger than needed.
The home appear dirty or unkept; cleaning can become difficult physically and mentally.

Many assisted living centers address these issues. It is common to see specially designed space that allows optimal mobility such as wider hallways and doorways and single stories. Services such as gardeners, chefs, and house cleaning are also often included or available when needed.

2. Your senior is showing signs of senility

It can be challenging, but it is important to look for signs that your loved one may be mentally declining to a point of becoming senile. Senility is not only disheartening, but can also lead to severe health risks. Following are signs to help you determine if senility is setting in:

They spend days without leaving their home
Your loved one is inactive in previous hobbies and activities
Active friendships are diminishing
Your senior refuses to spend time with family or friends
They become more easily agitated or confused

If you are beginning to see these signs, it may be time to consider an assisted living center. At the very least, you should be checking in regularly to try and monitor behavior and encourage them to do and get out more. If these signs continue, then it may be time to begin looking at assisted living options. Assisted Living centers and group homes often provide activities that encourage socialization amongst residents. Caregivers will support and monitor residents throughout the day. This can help your senior stay engaged and senile tendencies.

3. Medical needs are escalating

As your loved ones age, their medical needs may also increase. If they remain at home, it can be challenging to provide the medical assistance needed. Some care requires travel or assistance that is difficult for a family member to administer.

If your senior’s medical needs are escalating, assisted living may be a good solution. Assisted living communities offer caregivers and/or skilled nurses or contract with home health agencies to assist with elderly medical needs. These services can provide the medical assistance in the comfort of the assisted living home and allow for the nurse/caregiver to become familiar with your senior’s changing needs.

4. Your senior’s overall appearance is declining

A decline in physical appearance can be caused by increasing challenges with mobility, health issues or cognitive difficulties. Sign of decline to look for or note include:

Strange body odor
Noticeable weight gain or weight loss
Increase in frailty
Refusal to change clothes or staying in same clothing for longer periods of time
Appearing disheveled
No longer practicing personal hygiene

Caregivers at assisted living homes can help with shower, dressing and other hygiene tasks that may be difficult for them to do on their own.

When family members are unable to help care for a senior, it can place a lot of strain on a family. Adult children face difficulty balancing the demands of home, work and children with caring for Mom and Dad, and spouses may be faced with their own health issues.

If you and other family members are feeling overwhelmed or simply cannot provide the care your senior needs, an assisted living center may be the best solution.

At Paradise Living Centers our caregivers are available 24/7 and provide personalized care and assistance to address the specific needs of our residents. If you would like to tour one of our assisted living group homes call (480) 878 – 4112.

4 Questions You Should Ask About Assisted Living Centers

When you are trying to decide whether to move your senior into assisted living center or keep them in their own home and arrange care to come to them, so many questions come up; it can be overwhelming. Don’t panic. Start by answering these four questions. It is a good first step to help you decide what makes the most sense for not just your loved one, but your whole family.

1. Which costs more: assisted living centers or private home care?

There is no simple answer here. When you compare the cost of an assisted living center vs bringing care into the home, remember to include mortgage, rent, utilities, maintenance of the home, meals, along with the cost of any medical or personal care needed. What kind of medical care your loved one needs will also have a major impact on the cost. Some other things to think about: will there be a need for someone to assist with non-medical issues, such as driving, running errands, general companionship? All these things affect the total cost.

In terms of considering an assisted living center, the biggest factor impacting cost will be the level of care your senior needs. Other things that to factor in include, the size of the room, whether or not it has a private bathroom and the staff ratio and education. When researching the options, ask for a detailed list of all costs, possible expenses and any additional fees the community may have, so you can make a detailed comparison.

An important issue to think about when comparing costs is location. Where your loved one lives or the location of where you need assisted living, significantly affects the potential costs. Prices fluctuate greatly depending on location. Assisted living centers in remote areas where demand exceeds supply may cause low availability for accommodations and a higher price tag. However, urban areas that carry a higher cost of living, in general, may prove more expensive. This is where you just have to do your homework.

2. Will my loved one feel at home?

This question looms largest in the mind of most people seeking out an assisted living community for their loved ones. Answering this question means communicating with the potential caregivers of your loved one. Do the rooms in a potential assisted living home come fully furnished or can your senior bring pieces of his or her own furniture or other belongings? Are there common areas which allow for your family to visit and spend time? How much input do you have with the cook and making sure meals include old favorites? What activities are available for residents? Knowing this information will help you get an idea of whether or not an assisted living home will feel that way to your loved one.

Assisted living centers run the spectrum, from simple, bare bones to high-end luxury Many have a variety of amenities including fitness classes, spa areas, gardens, and organized activities. Ask questions not just of potential caregivers, but of your loved one, so you will have a clear idea of what things matter most and what makes a place feel like “home” to him or her.

3. Will this be a safe environment?

The question of safety is really what triggers a family to seek out assisted living for their senior in the first place. At some point, keeping their loved one in their home no longer feels like the safest option. Sometimes it’s because their senior lives in a remote area or the house itself poses problems because of stairs or other hazards. Trying to retrofit a loved one’s home to be safe for an elderly person in need of significant daily care, and to accommodate personnel brought in to provide that care, can prove very difficult, if not impossible. This is where it would benefit both the family and the loved one to seek out expert advice on whether bringing the assistance into the home will make for a safe environment.

When considering an assisted living community, ask how residents are kept safe. What is the staffing ratio? What happens at night? Is there a caregiver on site and awake in the early hours? What about medical staff? Who oversees the medical care of your loved one and is this person available 24/7? What security systems does the assisted living community use to maintain safety for its residents? What are the protocols for making sure everyone is where they are supposed to be when they are supposed to be there?

4.Will my senior be able to receive the care needed?

Many assisted living centers offer different levels of care for their residents. Depending on the community’s licensing, assisted living facilities can offer skilled nursing, personal care staff, or services from home health agencies. Assisted living centers have experts who can assess the level of care your loved one needs. Getting this right is crucial to ensure your senior gets the appropriate level of care.

One of the primary goals for medical care of the elderly is to make every day more comfortable. Providing this care often comes down to the ratio of caregivers to residents. This is something to ask about when exploring assisted living communities. Is there enough staff to keep your loved one comfortable and well-cared for? You are looking for caregivers that you can imagine becoming an extended member of your family: caregivers you can trust to treat your loved one the way you would treat them in your home. These caregivers will be the ones keeping track of medications, helping your loved one move, eat, bathe and do other activities. They will get to know your senior’s needs quickly. It’s important you feel good about the people who will be taking care of your loved one.

We know that deciding on assisted living for your senior can be difficult. At Paradise Living Centers, we are happy to answer any questions you may have. If you would like to learn more about Paradise Living Centers and get your questions answered, contact us at (480) 878-4112.

Tips for Touring Assisted Living Phoenix

When touring assisted living homes and communities in Phoenix, it is important to pay attention to a few things and be alert to any red flags. Before scheduling a tour, do some research on assisted living options in your preferred area.

Part of your research should include checking reviews, services available, staff turnover, resident to caregiver ratio, and any other factors that might be important to you. Then, make a list of top choices and schedule a tour with the locations you initially select. Going into your tour with a good idea of what you want, will help you find the right fit for assisted living Phoenix. Keep in mind, there are many options for assisted living so it is important to learn about the differences to compare. To help you through the selection process, we recommend the following tips for touring assisted living homes:

Observe cleanliness and organization:

Does the facility feel fresh and clean? Look at the furnishings, how well they are cleaned and kept. Ask questions about the housekeeping and laundry procedures. If there is an odd smell, ask the manager if there is reason for the odor to find out if it is due to a specific issue.

Pay attention to staff friendliness:

One of the most important things to look for staff friendliness. On your tour, observe the way the staff interacts and cares for the residents. Ask for the caregiver to resident ratio. It is also good to ask about the training and experience of the staff and how they operate on a daily basis. Imagine how you or your loved one would do in this environment.

Ask security and safety questions:

The tour is your best time to ask any questions. The manager and other staff members are there to not only show you around the home or community, they are also there to help explain the daily operations and share insight on day-to-day living. A top concern of most family members is security and safety. This should be top priority of every assisted living home as well. Ask what systems they have in place to ensure security and to learn about the safety features and emergency procedures.

Trust your instincts:

Pay attention to your instincts while you are touring assisted living homes and communities. How did the staff make you feel? Did the residents look happy and well cared for? How did everyone interact? Can you imagine you or your loved one living here? Overall, ask yourself if it is a good fit for your loved one? Trust your instincts to make the right decision!

At Paradise Living Centers we are very proud of our homes and the quality care we provide to our residents. We have three beautiful homes conveniently located in the heart of the Valley and would be happy to have you to visit one or all to meet our caring staff and learn more about our services. If you are considering assisted living Phoenix for yourself or a family member, please contact us to schedule a tour. If you have any questions, please visit our website or call us at (480) 878-4112.

5 signs that assisted living may be the best option for your loved one

How can you tell if your elderly loved one may need assisted living care? This question can spark an overwhelming sense of confusion for all involved. However, it is an important question to consider. As we age, it is normal for mental and physical abilities to decline. Fortunately, assisted living homes provide an excellent option to give your loved one the care and support they may need.

It is common for people to wait until there is an emergency to realize that their loved one is in need care. To help avoid this situation, we recommend taking a proactive approach by regularly visiting and assessing your loved one to help recognize changes and determine their care needs as they age. This will help prevent life-threatening accidents or illnesses. We understand it can be difficult to decide if assisted living is the best option for your loved one. Here are signs to look out for:

Forgetfulness: The brain is often affected by age. This can cause memory issues and forgetfulness regarding taking medications, going to appointments and other regular activities that can impact health and safety. If your loved one seems to be forgetting daily tasks like, this can be an indication that they need assisted care due to memory impairment. If your loved one has mandatory medications, failure to take these can be very dangerous.
Neglecting personal hygiene: If your loved one is neglecting their personal hygiene simply, it can be a sign that they are no longer able to shower and do laundry without assistance.
Unkempt living area: If your loved one’s house and yard seem to be neglected, this is an indication that they might not be able to keep up on things like mowing the lawn and cleaning the dishes. These are two areas that you can help with yourself or hire someone to do.
Frequent balance issues or falls: This is perhaps the most obvious indication that your loved one may need assisted living services. Balance issues can lead to life threatening falls or accidents. An assisted living home provides round the clock monitoring and care to help your loved one on their feet and keep them safe.
Finance struggles: If you notice that there are unopened bills, collections, large receipts, etc. this may be a sign that they are no longer able to handle their finances. When this happens, it is important that a family member or trusted accounted step in to make sure everything is in order and to protect seniors as susceptible to scams for this reason.

If your loved one is displaying any of these signs or any other concerning behaviors, it may be time to consider assisted living in Phoenix. At Paradise Living Centers we are proud to be a resource for assisted living and elderly care in the state of Arizona. For more information on the care we provide or any other questions you might have please visit our website or give us a call at (480) 878-4112.

Protecting seniors from elderly scams

We’ve seen it on the news and heard stories of it time and time again – scammers pretending to be someone else and taking thousands of dollars from the elderly. Many seniors may not be aware of the possible danger of scammers and can easily get caught in a web of deceit. This 87-year-old woman from Phoenix lost $17,000 when a criminal, who was pretending to be a police captain, convinced her to withdraw money from her bank account and give it to him.

It can be difficult for anyone to tell the difference between a scammer and the real deal. A Sedona business owner was recently cheated out of $1,200 by someone pretending to work at a local utility. Seniors are often targeted to gain access to retirement funds or other financial resources that appeal to scammers. They are often trusting when request for information appear official in an email and don’t always know to question if the source is real or think it may be a scam.

Five ways to protect seniors, and yourself, from scams:

Hang up the phone. In the moment, it may seem like a bad idea to hang up on your ‘utility’ or ‘bank’, but if you have any suspicions about a call or email – do not provide information without proof. Call the number directly on your bank statement or utility bill and ask if there are truly any problems.

Ask for ID. If someone comes to the door, even if they’re not in uniform, it is best to ask to see their ID. If you’re still not sure, call the company/administration they claim to represent to confirm.

Explain why. Warning your loved ones about scammers is the first step, it is another to recognize a scam when it happens. Explain why something might be a scam and share examples of incidents. For example, if you are asked to wire money or gift cards—it is most likely a scam. The same goes for requests to make payments over the phone or via email or claims of contest winnings that require a payment to collect your prized.

Report the incident. It’s important to let the authorities know immediately if you or a family member are victim to a scam. It may be embarrassing, but reporting the issue may help to recoup money or take steps to protect identity or personal accounts. It’s also vital to file a report, to help find the culprits and protect others.

Join the ‘do not call’ list. Visit www.donotcall.gov to register on the ‘do not call’ list. This will help limit telemarketers contacting your senior loved one and deter phone calls from scammers. You can also join the Direct Marketing Associations opt-out list to limit junk mail.

Seniors lose $36.48 billion each year due to elder financial abuse, according to a 2015 study from True Link Financial. Because seniors are more vulnerable to scams, they are being targeted by phone, online and in-person but over the phone and online. It’s important to educate your loved ones and be aware of current scams. CBS 5 has a weekly scam watch segment, where you can learn about and report scams.

Key Differences Between Assisted Living And Nursing Homes

Do you have a loved one in need of assisted living? Are you looking for an affordable, yet luxury assisted living option for yourself? Whether you stumbled across this article intentionally or by accident, you’ve come to the right place for information about nursing home care options. As one of the leading assisted living care homes in the Phoenix metropolitan area, Paradise Living Centers is dedicated to helping residents and their loved ones feel at home in a safe, yet welcoming environment.

We understand there is a growing concern for the safety and well-being of loved ones who may be at risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s, which is why we stress the importance of part-time or full-time care early on. While there are many benefits associated with assisted living, nursing homes, and skilled nursing facilities, figuring out what’s best for you of your loved one in this predicament (i.e. dementia and Alzheimer’s disease) can be overwhelming. In this blog, our team discusses the key differences between assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

First and foremost, an assisted living facility or community is a type of living quarter (similar to a private apartment or condominium) that encourages an atmosphere of independence, but still provides medical aids and housekeeping to aging adults (i.e. senior citizens). This living arrangement is usually recommended for seniors who are younger or more physically and mentally capable of taking care of themselves and others, but still require custodial help. More often than not, these residents can dress, bathe, eat, and go to the bathroom without the help of an aid, but the facility has these people present in case of an emergency.

A nursing home, which is also referred to as a skilled nursing facility, is a living quarter that is staffed with medical aids who provide residents with around-the-clock care. These facilities generally offer less privacy than assisted living homes, and for good reason. Residents usually suffer from debilitating medical problems that require constant care. Because of this, nursing homes tend to cost more than assisted living facilities because they provide medication dispersal, access to physical and occupational therapists, healthy meals, and other amenities.

Deciding which environment is right for you or your loved one depends on the physical and mental well-being of the person in question. Fortunately, there are options out there that offer both services, making it easier for residents to transition into a more hands-on environment should they ever require the care. We, of course, are talking about Paradise Living Centers: an assisted living care home that provides access to expert care for residents 24/7 that includes memory care for those in need.

The caregivers and on-site staff at Paradise Living Centers are committed to healthy senior living, which includes planned activities for residents, chef-prepared meals, pet therapy sessions, intergenerational programs, and lively entertainment.

While the process of finding a home that’s right for you or a loved one can be nerve-wracking, you can rest assured knowing there is an assisted living facility in your neighborhood committed to exceptional care. For more information about Paradise Living Centers, please call 480.878.4112 to speak to a Care Manager today.

The Myths and Facts Surrounding Cognitive Aging

You leave the house to buy groceries, or to head to work – but you’ve forgotten your wallet. Or your keys. Or phone.

Mental missteps are commonplace – everyone has gone through this scenario. Substitute the destination and forgotten item with different factors but the situation is the same. As these forgetful instances become more and more frequent while we age, the stigma and personal worry that results can be especially damaging.

However – it is important to note that while cognitive aging can be somewhat distressing, there is nothing abnormal about it. Though less frequent, we experience the same forgetfulness in our youth as we do in our elder years. From the moment we are born, we progress through different stages of cognitive aging.

Cognitive aging is not a disease – nor is it as debilitating as real neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s or dementia. According to a report released by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, “wisdom and expertise can increase with age, while speed of processing, decision-making, and some types of memory may decline. Cognitive aging may affect daily tasks such as paying bills, driving, following recipes, and adhering to medication schedules.”

There are many different ways to inhibit the negative side effects of cognitive aging. Remaining physically active, managing cardiovascular disease risks, and keeping an open channel of communication with your health care professional can all help mitigate the aging process.

While it may seem obvious, staying engaged intellectually and socially with those around you has also been cited as a way to combat forgetfulness. If a friend or loved one is experiencing symptoms of cognitive aging, lessen the stigma through minimizing your reaction. Making a big deal out of a simple mistake like those listed above is not a helpful response for anyone involved.

Cognitive aging can be a difficult period of decline for anyone experiencing the signs, but if you’re worried about someone living through it independently contact Paradise Living Centers to discuss your options: 602-550-1247.

Keeping up With Paradise Living Centers

Greetings, friends and family! It’s been a fun and busy summer for us and, believe it or not, we’re just getting started. We know sometimes it can be hard to keep up with all of the exciting things happening at Paradise Living Centers, so here are the highlights from the past few weeks, plus some of the events and projects we’re looking forward to in the future:

Butterfly Wonderland

On June 24, we had the pleasure of visiting Butterfly Wonderland, America’s largest butterfly atrium. Our residents and volunteers loved it, and it was a wonderful way to cap off our “spring fling” events program!

July 3 Barbecue

To officially kick off the summer celebrations, we held an Independence Day barbecue on July 3. The traditional American-style barbecue was the perfect way to set the tone for the 4th and the coming months.

Music Program Inspired by Alive Inside

Alive Inside—a documentary about social worker Dan Cohen using music to heal and combat memory loss—has inspired us to try something similar at Paradise Living Centers. With help from volunteers and loved ones, we are building personalized playlists for each resident. If you have any music devices you aren’t using that you would like to donate for this developing program, or any information that you think would be helpful, please do not hesitate to contact us! We are overjoyed about this project and will make sure to keep you updated as it unfolds.

Thank You!

We want to give a special thanks to our summer volunteers, Grace and Cole, for all of their help this summer. In addition, we want to thank Linda and the other family members who have helped build our new music program.

Upcoming Events

We have plans to visit the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in August and are excited for our residents to enjoy the more than 6,000 instruments the museum holds. Stay tuned for information on transportation and cost as we draw closer to the date.

On Sunday, September 13, we will host a family meal at 5:00 p.m. We hope everyone in town is able to join us!

Birthday Celebrations!

We always like to recognize our staff and residents at Paradise Living Centers on their birthdays. We recently celebrated our caregiver Danielle’s birthday, and we will celebrated three other birthdays in August – our resident’s Dorothy and Murry and our chef Luis.

If you would like to stay up to date with all the happenings at Paradise Living Centers, please subscribe to our newsletter.

Independent vs. Assisted Living

When it comes down to where a person will be living in one’s older years, a single question is asked more than any other – Will it be more beneficial to live at home, or move to a community or home that provides care and assistance?

The answer always comes down to the individual, of course, based on their lifestyle and goals for their sunset years, their family situation and their health. Has this person always lived comfortably in independence and solitary pursuits? Or, would they prefer the more consistent surrounding of peers and activities?

A large factor that must be brought into account is financial ability. How the elder has prepared for retirement and their later years greatly influences their position regarding assisted or independent living. Those in circumstances that require someone to assist in a nursing capacity may prefer a live-in nurse or caregiver at home, if they are in a position to pay for personal, round-the-clock care.

However, many are also drawn to the social aspect of assisted living, regardless of finances. Group activities, shared meals, social interaction and the opportunity to develop deeper relationships with peers hold great benefits for some. It can be a lot easier to lead a healthy, active lifestyle in one’s senior years when surrounded by others who are doing the same thing.

An article by Nancy Walsh on Medpage Today stated that those who were physically active over the age of 75 live almost five and a half years longer than their unhealthier counterparts, according to Laura Fratiglioni, MD, PhD, and colleagues from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. No one is denying the asset that is activity. Even in youth, exercising with peers keeps one accountable, on track, and, at the right times, distracted. This drive stays just as crucial to success as one gets older.

When it comes down to it, the decision between independent living and assisted living must also be a fit with the individual’s personality. Many people thrive in assisted living environments, but it’s not for everyone. Talking things (including expectations and ideas about assisted living) through with family and friends always adds perspective from the people care about the person most.

If you or a loved one are considering the prospect of assisted living, contact Paradise Living Center today to make an appointment.

Saving Money after Retirement

The cost of living during retirement is a serious concern for many older adults. Financial experts warn of the cost of retirement, but we don’t need as much as the experts would make us believe. After retiring expenses often decrease, as retirees can actually eliminate many costs they had while working.

Here are just some of the ways to save money after retirement, without affecting lifestyle choices:

Commuting costs/transportation: If you are no longer commuting it is a good opportunity to sell off that second or third car you own. If you were previously driving to work every day the money you spent on gas is greatly reduced and you are likely saving more than $5,000 a year. Also if you get rid of one of your cars you can also eliminate paying that extra insurance premium.
Downsizing: You’re no longer tethered to your place of work and your chicks have left the nest. Now is a good opportunity to move outside the city hub; you’d be surprised how much you can save moving within a 20 mile radius – the price of housing, property taxes and maintenance can be decreased.
Downgrade on services: Now you’re the boss so you don’t need to pay for the premium cable package the kids once insisted on. If you’re not using all your minutes on your cell it might make more sense to switch to a more cost effective plan. Look through your credit card statements and utility bills to see if you are paying for services you longer use. Now is the time to cancel the charges and use the cash on activities you love, like travel.
Travel: With the freedom to take vacations at your ease pick your travel day’s midweek and save on airfare and hotel costs. Also look for senior discounts and off-peak seasons. You’re flexibility means you can take advantage of many great deals.

If you are approaching retirement, and would like to kickback sooner rather than later it is worth sitting down and assessing your options. If you’re interested in learning what your retirement options may be there’s a neat quiz on the blog Sightings Over 60 that we encourage you to take. Remember retirement is your time to truly enjoy your life, after all you’ve worked for it!