By Rick Banas, Vice President of Strategic Marketing at BMA Management
Is it better for a parent to move in with family or into assisted living?
The question came up several weeks ago as I was talking to my sister-in-law in the living room after dinner. Her mother has lived with her family up in the Milwaukee area for many years. Mom lives on the first floor with her own bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living room. The family lives on the second and third floor.
For many years, Mom was highly independent, coming and going as she pleased. She worked part-time in the family business. She drove to and from work, went shopping, and regularly attended church on Sunday. When she reached the point that she was no longer able to drive, family members were available to take her to and from the senior center two or three times a week.
The topic came up again last night as I was talking with the son of a close friend. As a family, they are looking to the future, researching the options that are available and discussing the “what ifs”. One option would be for Mom and/or Dad would move in with family. Space would not be an issue; one of the sons has a home that features a “mother-in-law’s” apartment. But the son that I was talking with was concerned about the impact that it would have on his brother and his family. He also was concerned about whether his parents would feel comfortable living in such an environment and would they feel comfortable impacting his brother’s family in such a way.
In both conversations, we discussed socialization, which I consider to be one of the most important issues in looking at a parent moving in with family versus into assisted living community. If a parent moves in with their family, will there be plenty of opportunity to socialize or will the parent be isolated for the better part of the day? My close friend and his wife thrive on socialization and the opportunities to get together with their peers at the senior living community that they live at in Florida those opportunities plays an important role in their health and longevity.
Dan Buettner, author of the book “Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from Those Who Lived the Longest,” stresses the importance of social interaction. He believes that social interaction with family, friends and community accounts for 50% of the formula for living longer and healthier lives.
Assisted living versus moving in with family – what are your thoughts?¿?
All affordable assisted living communities managed by BMA Management, Ltd. are certified and surveyed by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. All assisted living communities are licensed and surveyed by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
“BMA Management, Ltd. is the leading provider of assisted living in Illinois
and one of the 20 largest providers of assisted living in the United States.”
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let us know.
