We all deserve love and companionship. However, there may be a point when your spouse needs more help than you do or when some daily tasks pose a problem.
When this is the case, assisted living can often be the right way to get your partner—and yourself—the support needed for a higher quality of life. But what if only one of you needs assisted living? What do you do?
Many senior living communities, including The Enclave of Newell Creek, offer a variety of living options to accommodate couples with differing needs. While it’s often possible for couples to reside together in the same community, even if one spouse requires assisted living, specific care requirements may necessitate separate living arrangements. Assisted living communities typically have eligibility criteria to ensure residents receive appropriate support.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a long-term care option for those needing assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. It offers a balance between independence and around-the-clock care. Residents have private living spaces and access to communal areas, dining facilities, and on-site healthcare.
Assisted living facilities are primarily designed to provide care for individuals who require assistance with daily living activities. While some communities might offer independent living options within the same complex, it’s essential to clarify that assisted living is specifically for those who need support. However, certain situations may require separate living arrangements to ensure the best possible care for each individual.
For example, if one spouse has advanced dementia and requires specialized memory care while the other does not, it may be necessary for them to reside in different parts of the community. This allows each person to receive personalized care tailored to their specific needs.
How to Tell If a Spouse Needs Assisted Living
Determining when a loved one requires assisted living can be a difficult decision. Several indicators may signal the need for additional support:
- Increased difficulty with daily living: Struggles with bathing, dressing, grooming, or meal preparation.
- Mobility issues: Challenges with walking, balance, or transferring from bed to chair.
- Social withdrawal: Decreased interest in social activities or isolation.
- Neglect of personal care or home maintenance: Difficulty with hygiene, housekeeping, or managing finances.
- Safety concerns: Frequent falls, accidents, or concerns about the individual’s ability to live independently.
If you notice these or similar changes in your spouse, it’s essential to have an open and honest conversation about their needs and explore assisted living options.
What If You Don’t Need Assistance?
In Ohio, individuals must qualify for assisted living to be admitted to an assisted living community. To be eligible, you must:
- Be 21 or older.
- Need hands-on assistance with at least 2 activities of daily living (ADLs), including but not limited to:
- Dressing
- Bathing
- Toileting
- Grooming
- Eating
- Mobility
- Meet the financial criteria for Medicaid eligibility.
- Be able to pay a monthly rent set by the state, which is your full SSI benefit minus $50.
If you don’t qualify, you may be unable to move in with your spouse. But if you do qualify, you may be able to live together even if your needs are different.
How Varying Care Needs Are Handled in Assisted Living
At The Enclave of Newell Creek, we provide each resident with a personalized Lifestyle & Wellness Plan.
This plan is a personalized approach to care that ensures residents receive the exact support they need. We evaluate every individual’s needs, including ADLs, healthcare, medication management, and nutrition. This comprehensive assessment determines the appropriate level of care and associated costs, meaning each person only pays for the services they receive.
We can provide peace of mind and optimize the assisted living experience by tailoring our services to individual requirements.
What Are the Benefits of Assisted Living?
Assisted living offers more than just daily ADL help.
Reclaim Your Time & Enjoy Life
Assisted living is about having the freedom to enjoy your time without the burdens of daily life. Imagine waking up each day without worrying about housekeeping, laundry, or home maintenance. Instead, focus on spending quality time with your spouse, family, or friends, pursuing hobbies, and living the life you so richly deserve.
Peace of Mind & Security
Knowing your loved one is safe and well cared for can provide immense peace of mind. Our community offers a secure environment with 24/7 support. With features like emergency response systems and medication management, you can relax knowing you and your spouse are in good hands.
Maintain Your Independence
Assisted living is designed to support independence, not replace it. While we offer assistance with daily tasks, you and your spouse retain autonomy and can participate in social activities, outings, and hobbies as desired.
Assisted Living in Mentor
The Enclave of Newell Creek is more than just an assisted living community; it’s a place where couples can thrive together. Our compassionate team is dedicated to supporting you and your loved one on this new journey. Let us help you create a fulfilling and enriching experience.
Schedule a tour today and discover everything The Enclave of Newell Creek offers.
