Knowing when it’s time to consider assisted living can be one of the most emotional and complex decisions a family will ever face. There’s often no single sign, no dramatic moment, just a quiet accumulation of concerns, questions, and subtle changes in your loved one’s daily life.
At Kensington Park, we understand the weight of this choice. That’s why we created this thoughtful checklist to help you evaluate your loved one’s current situation and explore how assisted living might enhance their safety, comfort, and independence. Whether you’re just beginning to ask questions or are seriously considering a move, this guide is for you.
What Does Assisted Living Offer?
Before diving into the checklist, it’s helpful to understand what assisted living provides.
In a community like Kensington Park, assisted living is about supporting individuals who require some assistance with daily activities but still desire an engaging, independent lifestyle.
Assistance can include:
- Medication management
- Help with dressing, bathing, or mobility
- Meal preparation and nutrition monitoring
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Transportation and scheduling support
- Life enrichment activities and social events
Most importantly, assisted living at Kensington Park includes access to 24/7 care and a team that treats every resident like family, upholding Our Promise to love and care for your family as we do our own.
This approach allows residents to enjoy their lives more fully, without the daily stressors that can lead to isolation, burnout, or preventable health setbacks.
The Kensington Assisted Living Readiness Checklist
Use this list to reflect on your loved one’s needs and how they’ve changed over time. A few “yes” answers may suggest that it’s the right time to explore a transition.
1. Is personal hygiene becoming a challenge?
Have you noticed that your loved one is bathing less frequently, wearing the same clothes repeatedly, or neglecting basic grooming routines?
2. Is managing medications difficult?
Do they take multiple prescriptions and struggle to keep track of doses? Have there been any missed or doubled doses?
3. Is their home less safe or clean?
Are there signs of clutter, expired food in the refrigerator, or fall hazards, such as loose rugs and poor lighting?
4. Are they becoming more isolated?
Has your loved one stopped attending social events, family gatherings, or hobbies they once enjoyed?
5. Have they experienced a recent fall or health scare?
Even a single incident can increase the risk of future accidents or complications, especially for individuals living alone.
6. Are there changes in eating habits or weight?
Have they lost or gained a noticeable amount of weight? Is it unclear whether they’re preparing and eating balanced meals?
7. Are cognitive changes affecting their safety?
Do they forget appointments, get lost, or repeat the same stories? Mild cognitive decline can still impact daily function and safety.
8. Do you worry when they’re alone?
If your loved one lives alone and you find yourself constantly checking in or feeling anxious, it may indicate that they need more support.
9. Are caregiving responsibilities overwhelming the family?
If family caregivers are feeling exhausted, burned out, or unable to meet their loved one’s growing needs, it may be time to seek professional help.
10. Has your loved one expressed feelings of loneliness or frustration?
Sometimes the most powerful signal comes directly from them, a quiet admission that things are harder than they used to be.
Recognizing It’s Time: A Gentle Reframe
It’s common to associate moving to assisted living with a loss of independence. But the truth is, assisted living can help individuals regain independence by removing the burdens that hold them back, like managing medications, preparing meals, or worrying about safety at home.
At Kensington Park, residents live in beautiful private suites, enjoy restaurant-style dining, and participate in engaging daily activities, all while receiving just the right amount of support.
Rather than focusing on what’s being given up, we invite families to consider what is gained: peace of mind, vibrant connection, and a new chapter of comfort and community.
What Makes Kensington Park Assisted Living Different?
There are many options to consider when deciding when to move to assisted living. Still, few communities offer the level of personalized care, luxury living, and family-centered values that define Kensington Park.
Our assisted living neighborhood includes:
- 24/7 clinical care, including licensed nurses onsite around the clock
- Customized care plans tailored to each resident’s health, preferences, and routines
- Engaging life enrichment programs from art and music to wellness and intergenerational activities
- On-site rehabilitation services, supporting mobility, recovery, and physical health
- Gourmet dining with chef-prepared meals that cater to dietary needs and personal taste
- Secure and welcoming residences with a full calendar of social opportunities
To explore more about our assisted living services, visit our Assisted Living page.
A Community of Connection and Purpose
Kensington Park is more than just a place to live, it’s a community filled with life. Residents here enjoy enriching experiences that encourage both physical and mental well-being.
Our life enrichment programs are carefully curated to offer something for everyone, from group fitness to creative arts, spiritual services, and memory support.
Because assisted living at Kensington Park is embedded within a continuum of care, residents can also seamlessly transition to higher levels of support if their needs change, without ever having to leave the home they call their own.
Emotional Considerations for Families
Even if the signs are evident, making this decision can stir feelings of guilt, grief, or worry. These feelings are valid. You are not giving up on your loved one, you’re choosing to ensure they have the highest quality of life possible, surrounded by compassion and expert care.
It’s helpful to involve your loved one in the conversation, if possible. Share your concerns, listen to theirs, and explore the decision together as a family. You might be surprised by their openness to the idea when they see what modern assisted living looks like.
We also recommend using trusted resources, such as the National Institute on Aging’s materials, for additional support during this time.
Take the Next Step: We’re Here
If you’re wondering when to move to assisted living, know that the team at Kensington Park is ready to help you explore your options with compassion and clarity. We offer consultations, community tours, and resources to help families make informed choices, always in a non-rushed, non-pressured environment.
We also welcome your questions. Whether you’re gathering information or are ready to move forward, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we’ll determine the best path forward for your family.