For some individuals, it can be hard to make the move to an assisted living community. If you have a loved one who is experiencing a bit of trouble with ADLs (activities of daily living), it’s probably time to have that discussion. Get everyone involved – your loved one as well as other family members. This is a move your loved one will definitely benefit from, though it may be hard to convince them of it at first. Others, however, are eager to move to a location in which they can retire in style, comfort, and safety.
If it’s time, or nearing time, for your aging loved one to make the move to an assisted living community, as their loving and caring (adult) child, it’s up to you to point out all the good aspects of such a move.
Here are some tips when it comes time to have that conversation.
Waiting for the Right Moment
This doesn’t, of course, mean putting things off indefinitely. For some people, waiting for the “right moment” means procrastination at its finest. That’s not what we’re talking about here. If you’re trying to convince your parent to make the move to assisted living, consider recent occurrences or developments. Have they fallen recently? If so, even if it wasn’t severe, point out how bad it could have been. They can’t brush off being in danger. They are far safer in an assisted living community where there are on-site care teams and other residents who all help keep an eye on each other.
Perhaps your loved one missed taking their medication or they were having a hard time getting out of the bathtub the other day. More reasons why residing in an assisted living community is better for them.
Yes, you may have been there to help them. But will you always be there? What’s more, they must be encouraged to understand what kind of toll constantly caring for them takes on you. Your health – both mentally and physically – is at stake here, as well.
Factual Focus
Even if your loved one doesn’t seem ready to have the conversation, the facts must be focused on. Things can get emotional, so try to keep things on a factual basis whenever possible.
If your loved one’s physician has suggested a retirement community, try to bring them into the conversation. Talk about the dangers of living alone versus the security and safety of a retirement community.
Ask, Don’t Tell
No one likes to be told what to do. What’s more, your loved one wants to feel like they have a say in the matter, whether the move is inevitable or not. Ask for their input and make sure they feel like you’re considering what they have to say.
Enjoy Assisted Living at Its Finest
We would love to introduce ourselves and all we offer to you and your loved one. We encourage all of you to see for yourselves what our retirement community is like. Try to make sure your loved one understands that, here, they will finally be able to retire in style, relax, have fun, feel safe, and enjoy the company of others, while still receiving the care they need. Talk to them about our incredible amenities.
When your parent is ready to make the move to Assisted Living, we’ll be here for you – and them.
