The Family of Faith’s Guide to Assisted Living

Learn more about this decision in our brief guide below.

Benefits of Assisted Living

Individuals and families balk at making the choice for assisted living for a number of reasons. Some people don’t realize they can live a more independent, vibrant life with the support they get in such a community, for example. Many times, older adults are more active, more social and happier when they move from their existing home into a loving, caring community.

Families may be hesitant to approach such a move out of misplaced feelings of guilt. They may feel they’re supposed to care for their loved one in their own homes and “keep the family together,” so to speak. In reality, many families simply don’t have the resources or safe homes to do this, and many older adults might actually prefer the privacy of a nice independent living or assisted living apartment.

Some specific benefits of assisted living include:

• Access to wide-ranging professional support and care right in the community for safety, security and peace of mind
• Maintenance-free living that removes burdens such as housekeeping and lawn care so older adults have the time and energy to spend on more enjoyable pursuits
• Plenty of activities and socialization opportunities, making it easier for older adults to make new friends and enjoy a vibrant lifestyle that involves their unique interests
• Support for managing medications and chronic disease processes to enhance wellness, and prepared meals and nutrition guidance to support optimal functioning and energy levels

Making the Choice Together

Often, this is a choice a family of faith may want to make together. Include the older adult as well as their adult children or siblings who might help out regularly. The preferences and needs of the older adult in question should always be considered, and the family may want to pray together or individually to seek God’s guidance in this decision.

What to Consider as a Christian Family Searching for an Assisted Living Community

Taking time to research options for assisted living can help an older adult find a community that works best for them. You should consider a variety of factors, including:

• The older adult’s needs. Do they need daily assistance with some activities, or do they simply want a home with minimal work involved and lots of activity options? Is memory care a concern for the future? Where are the older adult’s doctors, and do they need help with transportation? Answers to all these questions can help narrow down the best options.
• Geolocation. Do you want a community that’s close to friends and family? Are you interested in a city that offers specific amenities and attractions, or are you looking to retire in an area with mild weather?
• Faith. Faith-based assisted living communities offer many amenities and support that may not be available in secular communities. This might be something older adults of faith want to look into.

Faith-Based Living and Amenities

While many assisted living communities do offer some activities for people of faith, faith-based communities tend to offer more. They also help increase the chance that your loved one is surrounded by like-minded residents.

Some amenities you might look for in faith-based communities include:

• Options for group Bible study on the activity calendar
• Regular worship and devotional services right in the community — some may even have a chapel
• Support and transportation options to church services and church-based activities within the larger community
• Prayer lists, groups and meetings on the activity calendar
• In-community pastoral care and counseling — some communities may have an on-site chaplain
• An overall Christian ethos and approach to caregiving

Safety and Security

Always consider the protocols a community has in place to support safety and security while maintaining as much independence for individuals as possible. For example, if you’re looking at a memory care level of service, does the location have procedures and tools in place to reduce risk of wandering? In an assisted living community, how are the staff trained to respond to a medical emergency, and are there options in the rooms to make it easy for older adults to call for aid when they need it?

Ask to tour the community so you can see everything for yourself. Check that bathrooms look safe and are outfitted with safety products like grab bars or walk-in showers where needed. Ask questions about how many staff are at the community at various times of day, whether any staff are licensed clinical professionals and who oversees any care plan that’s created.

Support for the Entire Person

Consider assisted living communities that provide support and care for the entire person — mind, body and soul. Families of faith may be interested in ensuring that their loved one is offered plenty of socialization activities to improve mental and emotional health and keep cognitive wheels moving. They may also want to ensure their loved one will continue to receive spiritual guidance and support, even if they’re leaving a home church to move into assisted living.

Options for Family Involvement

Finally, consider how much family involvement is supported by the particular community. Is it close enough for regular visits? Does the community have options such as a community kitchen where families can cook and eat together? Are staff committed to keeping family members informed and involved?

By asking questions when you visit an assisted living community, you can learn more about how it may help your loved one.