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Herr: When families consider assisted living

Opinion |

Marie Herr
Carbondale Senior Living
Marie Herr, executive director at Sopris Lodge at Carbondale Senior Living.
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Assisted living emerged in the U.S. during the 1980s as a response to the evolving needs of seniors who required some assistance with activities of daily living but did not need the intensive medical care provided in nursing homes. Today, more than 800,000 Americans reside in more than 30,000 assisted-living communities nationwide.

Here in the Roaring Fork Valley, several communities offer assisted living, including those that offer memory care assistance for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementia. Questions I hear from seniors and families include: When is it time to consider this option? What are the benefits? And if I tour, what should I ask?

When is it time?

As this model for seniors has flourished, the big question for families, spouses, or older adults needing assistance with activities of daily living is when this option should be explored. Each family is unique, and therefore, a decision depends on various factors.

Seniors consider assisted living when several factors become apparent: An individual needs help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating; the risk of falls increase; health challenges; cognitive decline; help needed with medications; safety issues; and, importantly, social isolation. Study after study highlights that being around others, socializing at some level, is so important to a senior’s health and well-being.


What are the benefits?

My parents enjoyed living in a senior community, and I learned how it affected and enhanced their overall well-being and quality of life. First, it’s an environment that is safe and secure, with trained staff to monitor and assist with their needs. In addition, staff are professionally-trained. They know senior health issues and can support individuals as needed — 24 hours a day. When seniors move into assisted living, families often remark how healthy mom or dad looks after several weeks. Today’s culinary offerings in assisted living rival many good restaurants, which can boost an individual’s health tremendously.

Regular health assessments and monitoring also helps ensure that seniors receive appropriate medical care, and that any health concerns are addressed promptly. Most importantly, social engagement is the key benefit of assisted living, with social activities, events, and outings, fostering a sense of community and helping seniors stay socially connected.

There are also benefits such as a maintenance-free lifestyle with services such as housekeeping, laundry, and home maintenance, transportation, access to programs, events and activities, and a structured routine to the day. As we know in the valley, life here is not for the faint of heart. Having to dig out the driveway at 80 is just not the fun it used to be!

How to tour?

If you do go to check out a community for yourself or a family member, go armed with questions. This will reveal essential information about the facility and determine if it meets the needs and preferences of your loved one.

Ask questions such as:

  • What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
  • How long has the facility existed?
  • Is the facility licensed and accredited?
  • What levels of care are offered, and how are they determined?
  • Can I see some apartments and the common areas?
  • How is privacy maintained?
  • What is the cost and what is included?
  • Is there medical staff available?
  • What is a typical day like?
  • What are residents living there doing when you visit?
  • What are the staff qualifications and what training have they completed?
  • What safety features do you offer?
  • How are new residents welcomed?

In the Roaring Fork Valley, residents consider themselves independent and hardy — and those are healthy qualities. But as we age, our needs change, and sometimes, a little assistance can make all the difference.

Marie Herr is executive director for Sopris Lodge at Carbondale Senior Living, which offers assisted living, memory care, and independent living. She works closely with families to find solutions that work for aging adults.

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