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It may be time to consider whether a move to a senior housing community could be a valuable choice for the aging adult. There are key indicators that should alert you or a family member to the need for additional support beginning with the need for assistance with the activities of daily living (ADL). According to the NIH, the activities of daily living are classified into basic ADLs and instrumental ADLs. Basic ADLs or physical ADLs are those skills required to manage one%u2019s basic physical needs:%u2022 Personal hygiene or grooming%u2022 Dressing%u2022 Toileting%u2022 Transferring or ambulating%u2022 Eating Instrumental ADLs include more complex activities related to the ability to live independently in your long-time home:%u2022 Managing finances and medications%u2022 Managing transportation%u2022 Managing medications%u2022 Managing communication%u2022 Shopping and meal preparation%u2022 Housekeeping and laundry%u2022 Home maintenanceAs part of the instrumental activities, medication management becomes a significant concern, especially as the number of daily prescriptions rise along with over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and other supplements. There are a number of options for the home, including working with your pharmacy to pre-package your daily needs, or your in-home caregiver or family can help with preparation, but that still requires some level of management. Errors can still occur if medications are not taken as prepared, which creates a significant risk to aging adults. Oversight may be just what%u2019s needed to help reduce that risk.Nutrition and meal prep can be challenging for the person living alone. The physical concerns of food prep are not limited to standing in front of the countertop or stove but also include visiting the grocery store. Many food delivery services are available in the community and can help support the aging adult in this way but require private-pay. Home delivered meals can also support the person living at home with both food and pre-prepared foods, making it easier to manage. Home delivered meals can either be supported with millage or waiver dollars, but can also be private-pay. On the other hand, moving to a senior living community offers a nutritional smorgasbord with flavorful daily prepared meals, nutritious options and ingredients, special meal plans as needed, and valuable social time with others in the dining room. A Time to Take Action %u2013Preparingfor a Housing ChangeKnowing that added care needs will likely occur as age increases there is a benefit to seeking out information long before you need it. Aging increases the risk of chronic diseases such as dementias, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. These are the nation%u2019s leading drivers of illness, disability, death, and health care costs. But aging also offers an opportunity to learn and take action for change.If you are currently living on your own, without a spouse or partner, the challenges faced in the home become even more important to address as quickly as possible. Attempts to eliminate safety risks and make changes that allow for living safely alone can increase the time spent in your long-time home.There are many in our region that call an independent or assisted living community (or other adult living facility) home. For many, it means an extra set of eyes and hands for daily concerns as well as activities and socialization. It has been shown that by moving to an aging adultfocused community, health care visits may reduce due to health care providers that work at, or come to, the facility, but also a regular diet, movement, and reduced isolation. In short, they begin to thrive in a new way. SENIOR HOUSING DIRECTORY | 202614