Issue link: https://www.newlifestylesdigital.com/i/433550
Convincing elderly loved ones to move from the comfort of the home they've known for many years into an assisted living situation can be one of the toughest hurdles for families to accomplish. The best way is to start the conversation earlier than later, while your loved ones are still in good health. Getting them used to the idea beforehand will make it easier when the time comes. But what if you haven't already made plans for the transition? If it is time for your loved ones to alter their living situation–here are some things you should do. Think Safety First Keep in mind that your loved ones' safety is the most important thing. If you know that they cannot remain in their own home safely, don't let your emotions override what you know needs to be done. Don't wait for a broken hip, a car accident or the crisis call before you step in. Recognize that when you were a child, your parents would have done everything possible to keep you safe. Now, as hard as it is, you have to be the "parent," and you have to make the best decisions for their safety. Consider a Multi-Level Facility Be sure to consider the benefits of a multi-level facility, which allows for additional services as your loved ones' health declines. This prevents the turmoil of having to move them to a new location as more services are needed. Many seniors start out with their own private apartment and then progress through assisted living and eventually to skilled nursing and dementia care, all within the same facility. They may be able to bathe and take their own medications now, but as they need help, it is a blessing to know that services can be added. Many times the friends they have made along the way progress along with them, which provides the comfort of familiar faces. 28 ASSISTED LIVING - MISSOURI The following is a comprehensive list of area licensed assisted living facilities. This list was provided by the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services-Bureau of Home Care & Rehabilitative Services website. BELTON Carnegie Village 107 Bernard Dr (816)331-7848 ALF2 55 Carnegie Village Assisted Living 103 Bernard Dr (816)322-8444 ALF2 60 INDEPENDENCE Blue Hills Rest Home 2207 N Blue Mills Rd (816)796-3376 ALF2 52 Villages of Jackson Creek 3980 S Jackson Dr (816)350-4493 ALF2 62 KANSAS CITY Armour Oaks Senior Living Community 8100 Wornall Rd (816)363-5141 ALF1 47 Benton House Of Shoal Creek 9601 N Tullis Dr (816)407-9667 ALZ 80 Carrie Dumas Long Term Care Facility 2836 Benton Blvd (816)924-5017 ALF1 34 Gardens at Barry Road Assisted Living 8300 NW Barry Rd (816)584-3200 ALF2 86 Kingswood 10000 Wornall Rd (816)942-0994 ALF1 17 Leona House 5000 NW Old Trail Rd (816)584-1033 ALZ 7 Rockhill Manor Assisted Living 4235 Locust St (816)931-2225 ALF2 190 Summitview Terrace 12101 E Bannister Rd (816)763-6667 ALF2 44 Villa Ventura Assisted Living Facility 12100 Wornall Rd (816)941-0525 ALF2 50 Waterford South 11515 Holmes Rd (816)942-4898 ALF1 28 Wexford Place Assisted Living & Memory 6460 N Cosby Ave (816)587-5400 ALZ 90 LEE'S SUMMIT Benton House Of Lee's Summit 2160 SE Blue Pkwy (816)554-0101 ALZ 80 Valley View Residential Care 1704 NW O'Brien Rd (816)347-2700 ALZ 29 RAYMORE Foxwood Springs Living Center 1500 W Foxwood Dr (816)331-3111 ALF2 62 ST. JOSEPH Living Community of St Joseph 1202 Heartland Rd (816)671-8500 ALF1 35 Saxton's Country Villa 1616 Weisenborn Rd (816)232-9874 ALF1 100 Vintage Gardens 3302 NE Woodbine Rd (816)390-9555 ALF2 88 Number on last line indicates capacity. Getting Loved Ones to Move to Assisted Living By Jacqueline Marcell, Author, Elder Rage See legend on page 61.