It’s true—moving a parent to assisted living is a big step, and we know it causes a lot of stress and worry for people.

That’s partly because there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, or a list of items to check that means it’s officially time. What we recommend most of all is talking to someone knowledgeable about senior care, and telling that person the signs you’re seeing and what worries you.

We’d be happy to have that conversation with you whenever you’re ready. We’ll never pressure you into bringing your parent to live here or to move into assisted living. What we can do is help you understand all your options and decide whether New Haven is a choice that makes sense.

It’s hard for your mom come to terms with leaving a home she loves. That’s a normal reaction when someone suggests it’s time to consider an alternative.

But if that alternative is something reassuring, family-oriented, and comfortable, the transition can be much easier—and it may even be a big relief.

We know the words “assisted living” can mean different things to different people, especially if they associate assisted living with a nursing home. But modern assisted living is such a different experience from what many people have in mind.

For example, New Haven is a place where staff and residents become a family, and the whole experience is designed to feel like home. Because . . . it is home, and we’re proud of that here. We have delicious meals together. We have special events in-house and go out for picnics, shopping, and other activities. We make time for hobbies and exercise. And everyone can feel connected, safe, and cared for.

There’s no single thing you can say to convince a parent that assisted living will be a good move.

But if your mom or dad is open to conversation, we encourage you to come together for a tour and meet our staff personally, where we can show you around, maybe share a meal with you, and have you take in the experience for yourself. It can be a positive first step toward making a decision you’re both happy with.

No. All New Haven suites are private and connect directly to the main common area. All residents have their own bedrooms and bathrooms, and assisted living residents (not in memory care) also have a kitchenette.

Residents have as much time to themselves as they’d like, but we do encourage participation in our robust schedule of activities and wellness programs. The idea is that no one at New Haven is a stranger—we think of ourselves as a big, happy family.

If you’re just looking into assisted living or memory care for the first time, you may be surprised at how many health conditions can be managed in a modern assisted living community—including many that would have required nursing home care just a few years ago. We have a flexible, responsive approach to health care that’s just what many of our residents need.

Our licensed nurse is on call 24/7 and on-site all day, and we schedule regular on-site visits from physicians, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, dentists, and other health professionals.

The only way to know for sure if we can manage your loved one’s health condition is to ask us. We’re happy to give you a full picture of the care we provide and assess whether that’s sufficient for your senior’s needs.

Because assisted living is a big decision—and, speaking honestly, a considerable expense—it’s usually better to err on the side of caution and make the move before your loved one experiences a health emergency that limits your choices.

That doesn’t mean you should rush through the research process. Do take the time to gather information on every assisted living community you’re considering and weigh your options thoughtfully.

But don’t wait until you’re experiencing so much stress as a caregiver that you’re struggling to keep up, or until your loved one falls or becomes ill. It’s difficult to make important decisions in crisis mode. And you may also find yourself on a waiting list for the residence you prefer—at a time when waiting is no longer an option.

Making the decision earlier means you’ll have choices, and it also means your loved one will be in a supportive, responsive environment should a health emergency occur.