LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Deciding when a loved one may need assisted living or nursing home care is one of the most difficult conversations many families will face.
Members of the Lima Kiwanis Club heard from Kessler Estates Executive Director Nicole Butcher, who discussed the warning signs that may indicate it is time to consider additional care and how families can approach the conversation with compassion.
Butcher said some common signs include difficulty with everyday activities such as bathing, preparing meals, taking medications, and even retrieving the mail.
She encouraged families to approach the discussion with honesty, respect and compassion while involving their loved one in the decision-making process.
"Be open with your loved one. They don't want you to lie to them. They don't want you to spring things on them. So just having that conversation and then start researching together. So go to as many communities as you would like to go to," said Nicole Butcher, executive director of Kessler Estates.
Butcher said families should take time to visit multiple assisted living communities, noting that not every facility will be the right fit. She added that once a community is selected, staff members can help make the transition into assisted living as smooth as possible.
