Planning for the future can sometimes feel daunting, but when it comes to assisted living, early preparation is key.  For older adults and their families, moving into an assisted living community before it becomes an immediate necessity can be a wise decision. This proactive approach allows for a smoother transition, numerous financial and emotional benefits, and ensures that all necessary services will be available when needed.

Rose Cuccaro and her family are proof that thinking ahead can make all the difference.  "When I moved into Episcopal Church Home, I didn't think I would need much assistance at first," shares Rose. "But I wanted to ensure I had a plan in place for the future.”  Why is it important to plan for assisted living early?  Are the benefits of transitioning before requiring full-time care?

The Importance of Planning for Assisted Living Early

Making decisions about assisted living before it's an urgent requirement helps seniors, and their families avoid rushed choices during stressful times. This proactive decision-making process allows for thorough research and thoughtful selection of the best community that aligns with individual needs and preferences. Furthermore, knowing that a plan is in place provides peace of mind to both seniors and their families. It ensures that there will be no last-minute scrambles when health needs suddenly change, fostering a sense of security and stability during what can be a challenging transition.

"Planning ahead made all the difference for us. It was comforting to know that Mom had a place to go that felt like home, even before she needed full-time assistance," shares Adrienne Gerdes, Rose’s daughter.  “Originally, my mom moved into Episcopal Church Home when she needed short-term rehab.  As Mom’s needs changed, we decided that she couldn’t live independently.  We looked at other communities, but quite honestly, I was so impressed with Episcopal Church Home.  All of the staff, the nurses, the staff in the dining room, everybody was so kind and responsive.”  Rose’s family wanted to make sure she had a spot in the lovely new Lyndon House, an assisted living household on the campus of Episcopal Church Home.

Related Blog: What is Assisted Living?

Smoother and More Comfortable Adjustment Period

A proactive approach to planning for assisted living involves making decisions well ahead of time, which can significantly alleviate stress for seniors and their families. By avoiding rushed selections during urgent situations, families can conduct thorough research and thoughtfully choose a community that best aligns with individual needs and preferences.  As Jomiya Coleman, health services administrator at Episcopal Church Home, often shares, “The peace of mind that comes from having a plan is invaluable; it allows families to focus on what truly matters—each other.” This early preparation establishes a sense of security and minimizes the last-minute scrambling that often accompanies sudden health changes.  Rose shared, “it was the best decision I ever made.”

Moreover, early transition into an assisted living community can lead to a smoother and more comfortable adjustment period. With the luxury of time, seniors can gradually acclimate to their new surroundings, familiarizing themselves with the community's amenities and staff without the weight of immediate health concerns. Additionally, this gradual transition allows building meaningful relationships with fellow residents and staff, cultivating a sense of belonging. Jomiya highlights this aspect: "It’s the connections we make that truly enrich our lives. Starting this process early allows those bonds to form naturally.  As an administrator, I see a difference in the residents who come to Episcopal proactively versus being in a crisis.”

Other Levels of Care On-Site

Assisted living communities provide a spectrum of care tailored to meet the evolving needs of their residents. This continuum ranges from independent living to more intensive assisted care and nursing support, ensuring that each resident receives the right level of assistance as their requirements change. Rose's journey at the Episcopal Church Home's Lyndon House perfectly demonstrates the continuum of care.

When Rose moved in, she initially believed she would only need a little assistance; however, she recognized the importance of knowing she had options available for the future. "I appreciate the flexibility here," Rose shares. "It gives me peace of mind to know that the team is here for me as my needs change." This personalized approach enhances comfort and fosters a sense of independence, allowing residents like Rose to thrive in a supportive environment.  “Having other levels of care, such as skilled nursing, on the campus was a weight off my shoulders.  I don’t worry about her.  If she needs more help for a short time or long term, she can stay here -- where people know her and care about her,” said Adrienne.

Jomiya emphasizes this: "The ability to transition as needed means residents can feel secure and focus on their daily lives without worrying about what tomorrow might bring.” This adaptability ensures that residents can cultivate friendships and engage with the community, making their living experience both enriching and supportive.  Jomiya encourages families looking for a community for a loved one to understand exactly what services are offered. 

• What if a loved one needs skilled nursing?
• Does the community offer skilled nursing on their campus?
• What if they need more services in assisted living?
• Are their levels of service, or will your loved ones have to move to a higher level of care?
• Does the community offer memory care services?
• Are memory care services available in multiple levels of care (assisted living and nursing, for example)

Understand the services and parameters of each community to make the best decision for your loved one.  If the assisted living community you select does not have nursing care on the campus, for example, will your loved one need to move to another community?  As a continuing care retirement community, places like Episcopal Church Home have additional levels of care on-site to meet the changing needs of residents.  Moving to another community can be disruptive and cause a decline in healthcare.

Planning for assisted living before it becomes an immediate necessity is a thoughtful and proactive approach that offers numerous benefits. From ensuring a smoother transition to enjoying financial and emotional peace of mind, early planning can significantly enhance the quality of life for seniors and their families.  Like Rose, older adults will likely need additional services as they age.  Find a community like Episcopal Church Home, where it is all right there if you need it!

If you or your loved ones are considering assisted living, we encourage you to take the first step today. To learn more about assisted living and Episcopal Church Home, visit our website.