When Is It Time for Assisted Living?

When considering assisted living, you want to be sure you’re making the right choice. You may have already weighed your options and considered your care needs and think that assisted living could imrove your quality of life—how do you know when is it the right time to make the move?

Why Choose Assisted Living?

Everyone has a different reason for choosing to move to an assisted living community. Here are five of the most common:

Why Choose Assisted Living?

Everyone has a different reason for choosing to move to an assisted living community. Here are five of the most common:

You or your family have concerns about security: Assisted living communities have staff on campus 24/7 to be alerted to an emergency.
You find yourself wanting more social interaction: When you make your home at an assisted living community, you are surrounded by people in your stage of life. It’s a great environment to make new friends, share stories over dinner, play a lively round of your favorite card game or engage in thoughtful conversations about your favorite books.
You want a more accessible space: Assisted living communities are designed from the ground up with seniors in mind—typically, the rooms are spacious, the hallways are wide and there is staff available to help if you need some extra assistance.
You could say goodbye to chores like cooking and cleaning: At an assisted living community, our team is available to handle these tasks. You can enjoy chef-inspired meals made with you in mind without washing a single dish.
You wish you had more freedom to decide how to spend your time: Without chores and with fewer worries, you have more time to devote to your passion projects and hobbies.

The Benefits of an Assisted Living Community

Our assisted living communities offer a range of well-being services, personal assistance and lifestyle amenities to prioritize your health and help enhance your overall quality of life.

Well-Being Services

We have programs in place to help you feel strong and healthy.

Personal Assistance

If you need help with your daily routine, we can help.

Lifestyle Services

The housekeeping, cooking and maintenance are taken care of.

Can Someone with Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Live in Assisted Living?

Yes. Some assisted living communities may support someone living with Alzheimer’s, depending on the stage and type of care needed. In the early stages, this can be a comfortable option when daily life is steady and symptoms are mild.

Each person is unique, and care decisions often depend on current needs and preferences. Brookdale can help you explore communities that fit your loved one’s needs today while keeping future care in mind.

Why assisted living may be helpful in the early stages

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, your loved one may still enjoy familiar routines and manage many parts of the day independently. Assisted living offers help with daily tasks such as dressing or bathing, along with meals, programs and staff presence for added reassurance.

This environment can promote consistency, comfort and peace of mind while supporting day-to-day living. Many communities also offer:

Opportunities to connect through activities and shared spaces
Reduced stress through predictable daily schedules
Gentle reminders for meals, appointments and medications

If care needs evolve over time, you may want to explore memory care for more structured support.

Can Someone with Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Live in Assisted Living?

Why assisted living may be helpful in the early stages

This environment can promote consistency, comfort and peace of mind while supporting day-to-day living. Many communities also offer:

Opportunities to connect through activities and shared spaces
Reduced stress through predictable daily schedules
Gentle reminders for meals, appointments and medications

If care needs evolve over time, you may want to explore memory care for more structured support.

What Should I Look for in an Assisted Living Community for Alzheimer’s Care?

When exploring options, you may want to consider:

Staff experience with dementia care
A calm, structured environment
Opportunities to increase support over time

Brookdale can help you navigate these questions and explore communities that provide both connection and security.

How to begin exploring support

Every care journey is different. Starting with a conversation can help clarify what’s available and guide your next steps.

Some Brookdale communities may be able to support Alzheimer’s care needs in an assisted living setting. This depends on your loved one’s current symptoms, care preferences and community offerings.

What Should I Look for in an Assisted Living Community for Alzheimer’s Care?

When exploring options, you may want to consider:

Staff experience with dementia care
A calm, structured environment
Opportunities to increase support over time

Brookdale can help you navigate these questions and explore communities that provide both connection and security.

How to begin exploring support

Every care journey is different. Starting with a conversation can help clarify what’s available and guide your next steps.

What to Do When You Think It's Time for Assisted Living

Let's dive into some steps that can help you navigate this process.

Research and gather information

Take some time to explore different assisted living communities in your desired location. Look for ones that match your needs, preferences and budget.

Talk to a senior living advisor

Our dedicated team of senior living advisors is available to provide personalized guidance and support throughout your decision-making process. Discuss your requirements, ask questions and gain valuable insights into the services, amenities and care options available in our community.

Visit and tour communities

Schedule visits to the assisted living communities you are considering. Take a guided tour to experience the environment firsthand, interact with staff members and observe the quality of care provided.

Talk to current residents and families

Connect with residents and their families to get real-life insights. They can share their experiences and provide valuable perspectives on the care, activities, social engagement and overall lifestyle within the community.

Evaluate services and amenities

Consider the services and amenities offered by each community and how they align with your needs and preferences. Think about what you need and prefer, such as assistance with daily activities, medication management, dining options, recreational activities, wellness programs, transportation services and specialized care.

Review financial considerations

Understand the financial aspects, including pricing models, fees and payment options associated with assisted living.

Involve family members and loved ones

Have open and honest discussions with your family members and loved ones about the potential move to assisted living. Their input and support can be valuable in making the decision.

The decision to move to assisted living is a personal one and should be made based on individual circumstances and needs. Take your time, ask questions and choose carefully.

Find an assisted living community near you

What do our residents think?

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What do our residents think?

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For Caregivers and Family

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to know if it’s time for your loved one to explore the possibility of an assisted living community:

Have you noticed uneaten food going bad in the fridge?
Is your loved one wearing the same clothing every time you visit?
Does your loved one spend less time on their hygiene?
Have you noticed an increase in accidents that happen to your loved one?
Is your loved one struggling to move throughout their home?
Does your loved one forget to turn off certain household appliances?

For Caregivers and Family

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to know if it’s time for your loved one to explore the possibility of an assisted living community:

Have you noticed uneaten food going bad in the fridge?
Is your loved one wearing the same clothing every time you visit?
Does your loved one spend less time on their hygiene?
Have you noticed an increase in accidents that happen to your loved one?
Is your loved one struggling to move throughout their home?
Does your loved one forget to turn off certain household appliances?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to talk to your loved one about a lifestyle change. Fortunately we have hundreds of wonderful communities across the country. We would love to meet you, show you around and answer any questions you have about assisted living.

Want info about pricing?

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