Risk Factor -- Thinking of Moving In Order to Get Help

• Many older adults move from home to a care setting because they need help, or they want to be where help is offered in case they should need it. 
  


• Common reasons to move to a setting that offers assisted living or nursing care are:  
  


• Physician and/or family encourage it
  


• To get help with medications, personal care, health condition, rides, finances, no house to maintain, errands, socialization, etc.
  


• Loneliness and/or fear of being alone due to death of spouse, siblings, and friends; or changing neighborhood
  


• Long-distant adult children are concerned about safety and health issues
  


• Difficulty getting in and out of, or around the home
  


• Age – “I’m over 80, it’s time to move.”
  


• Changes in memory, vision, and hearing
  


• Appeal of newer housing and  services
  


• Many older adults decide to move during a “crisis” such as following a hospitalization or short-term nursing home for an illness or falls related injury.   

KEY TIP:  Know what services you are buying before you move.  

KEY TIP:  Learn what local services and supports can help you live at home when you need help.

Other Tips