Deciding if it’s time for a parent to move into an assisted living facility can be a difficult choice. You want to honor your parents’ desire for independence, but you also want to make sure they get the support they need to stay safe and healthy.
Here’s what to know if you’re considering whether your parent needs more support.
What is an assisted living facility?
An assisted living facility is a residential care setting for older adults who don’t need full-time medical care but could benefit from help with daily routines, meals, housekeeping and social activities. Assisted living facilities give residents a safe, supportive place to live as their needs change with age.
Facilities range from small homes with 20 or fewer residents to large continuing care retirement communities that offer a range of options from assisted living to skilled nursing care.
Signs it might be time for assisted living
Are you concerned that your parent might need more help than you’re able to provide? Here are some signs that assisted living may be a good fit.
You can afford it
Before digging too deeply, consider the cost. Costs vary widely based on location, the level of care required and the community’s amenities. The national median cost for assisted living is around $74,400 per year, according to the 2025 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.1
Common ways to pay for care include:
- Funds from savings, pensions or retirement accounts
- Long-term care insurance
- Veterans benefits
- Selling your parent’s home
If you’ve been relying on credit cards to help cover the cost of a parent’s care at home, a debt consolidation loan might help make some room in your budget. A debt consolidation loan combines multiple debts into a single, predictable monthly payment and could offer a lower interest rate than your credit cards.
Your parent’s care needs are beyond your capacity
Does your parent need hands-on help with activities like bathing, dressing, eating, medication management or mobility? If providing this care becomes physically or emotionally overwhelming for you, it might be time for assisted living.
You feel burned out
Caregiver burnout happens. If your physical and mental health or relationships are suffering, seeking professional care for your parent may be a healthy choice.
You have safety concerns
Frequent falls, lapses in memory, a decline in personal hygiene, weight loss or bruises can all indicate that your parent may benefit from assisted living.
Your parent feels lonely
If your parent is living alone and seems lonely, they may enjoy more social interaction. Assisted living communities offer daily activities to keep residents engaged.
Making the decision
Before you commit to an assisted living facility, learn what your parent needs to thrive. Talk to your parent about what they want, what they’re afraid of and what would make them most comfortable, like having a private room or being close to a park for daily walks. Whether your parent is excited for this new stage of life or feeling emotional, a strong support system is key to helping them adjust. Encouragement from your siblings or their spouse can make a big difference. If your parent is concerned about the cost of assisted living, their financial advisor could help make a plan they’re comfortable with.
If you aren’t sure whether assisted living can safely meet your parent’s needs, it may be worth bringing their healthcare provider into the conversation.
Financial planning for the future
Helping an aging parent transition to a new living situation might bring a few unexpected expenses. From initial facility fees to moving costs, you might find yourself needing to cover the gap. To lighten the load, a financial advisor could help you explore options for stretching your parent’s existing resources, like long-term care insurance policies or retirement savings. If you’re considering a personal loan to cover some of the costs, a personal loan calculator may help you estimate potential monthly payments. Before making a financial decision, it’s a good idea to weigh the costs and ensure the loan aligns with your long-term budget.
What to look for in a facility
When considering an assisted living facility, try to visit a few locations in person. Look for clean, well-kept spaces, observe how staff interact with residents and ask what amenities are available. Ask about staff-to-resident ratios and emergency response protocols, too, since both can affect the quality and safety of care. Before making a decision, be sure you understand your parent’s medical needs and confirm the facility can provide the right level of support.
Embracing the next chapter
Whether you decide to make the move now or wait, considering assisted living for a parent is an act of love and care. By researching options, talking openly with your parent and understanding what level of support they need, you can make a thoughtful decision instead of a rushed one.
A carefully chosen assisted living facility can help your parent maintain as much independence as possible while providing a sense of safety and support as their needs evolve.
Sources
1 CareScout Releases 2025 Cost of Care Survey Results :: Genworth Financial, Inc. (GNW)
