Moving from their homes to assisted living can be difficult for many older adults. The process is often complicated because aging parents may not be ready for such drastic change and are worried about being separated from family members who live nearby. Still, it’s important to consider your options when an elderly loved one has difficulty managing at home independently. Read on for tips on how to talk about moving into an assisted living community with your parent!
Do Your Research
Before having that conversation with your parents, make sure you have researched the options available. This can help in several ways:
- You can choose a community that best suits their needs.
- You can find out if there are any waiting lists or the application process.
- You can learn about resident councils and how much input residents have in decisions made by team members in their community.
Remember that this move will be difficult for both of them, so do everything in your power to make it as easy on them as possible!
Picking The Right Time And Place To Talk Is Key
Start by picking a time when you can have a long conversation without being interrupted by others or the phone ringing. Your parent may be more receptive if he or she is in a good mood, so wait until that time of day to bring it up. A quiet corner of your house will also help keep things from getting too tense or uncomfortable, which might happen if your mom gets angry at you for not wanting her around anymore!
Focus On What Your Parent Can Gain From Moving To Assisted Living
When talking to your parent about assisted living, focus on what he or she can gain from the move.
Assisted living is a great way for aging parents to maintain their independence while still having access to care and support when needed. Assisted living communities to offer an enriching lifestyle by giving residents access to activities like exercise classes, arts & crafts workshops and social events, and 24-hour help on call. This allows your loved one with dementia or other conditions that make it harder for them to meet their daily needs and live safely while still getting the care they need. In addition, most assisted living centers have amenities such as swimming pools, lounges, and bistros where residents can gather between activities or spend time with friends over coffee or tea (or wine!).
The benefits don’t stop there! Most assisted living communities also provide opportunities for residents who want extra stimulation through volunteering at local charities or community organizations such as animal shelters–and even book clubs! Older adults who participate in these programs report better mental health outcomes than individuals who don’t regularly volunteer because giving back gives them a sense of purpose, boosting happiness levels overall.
Understand That Change Is Hard, Even Good Change
This change can be difficult for any person, especially if someone has dementia or another mental illness that makes it harder for them to handle change well. Asking your parent if they want to move into an assisted living will likely cause anxiety even before you bring up specific places like Retirement communities! Remembering how difficult change can be will help ensure that your conversation is empathetic instead of judgmental or harsh.