If we had it our way, we would stay in our own homes for the rest of our lives. Unfortunately, this isn’t a practical option for many. As you get older, you may experience a decline in mobility and cognitive function which can put you at risk of serious accidents in the home. If you have a senior parent who you’re concerned about living alone, it may be time to move them to an assisted living facility to benefit their physical and mental wellbeing.
For those who have young children, you will have enough to worry about without added stress about your parents’ wellbeing. So, if the time has come to look at different options, here is a guide on how to encourage your parent to move to assisted living.
Plant the Seed
If you believe an assisted living facility is the right accommodation option for your senior parent, it’s time to get planting the seed. Rather than approaching your parent as though you have already decided it’s best for them, begin having conversations about assisted living and how it could benefit them. Even a quick conversation about the different options out there will give you a better indication of their thoughts about it, and what steps you need to take next to push them in the right direction. Try not to make every conversation about assisted living, as this may aggravate your parent.
Conduct Research
The best thing you can do is research the different assisted living centers, who they’re designed for, and how they can benefit your aging parent. This means that, when you sit down with your loved one, for any questions they have, you will be able to provide the answer. Knowledge is power, so taking some time out of your day to look into assisted living will help you feel more confident in your approach and ultimately, decide whether it’s the right option for your parent.
Ask for Referrals
If your friends are of a similar age, they may have parents who are already in an assisted living facility. Speaking to them can be a great opportunity to find out more about assisted living, as well as retrieve unbiased information that should help you on your search. If you live in the San Jose area, Belmont Village Senior Living may be a suitable facility to look into. Before approaching your parents, you can talk to residents to find out more about assisted living, which should help you weigh up the pros and cons.
Take a Tour
Even if you do extensive research online into assisted living, it pales in comparison to seeing the facility in real life. If your parent is reluctant about the idea of going into assisted living, there’s no harm in taking them on a tour of a facility. This can serve as a great chance for them to get a feel for the place, but you must tread carefully, otherwise they may go off the idea completely. There are all sorts of factors to take into account when going on a tour of an assisted living facility, such as whether your parent would prefer a smaller community or a larger one, as well as if they would prefer a modern style facility or one that’s slightly older and cozier. You must read your loved one’s body language as you go on the tour as this should signal more than anything how they feel about the facility.
Highlight the Positives
There are numerous benefits attached to assisted living that your parent is sure to enjoy. For example, if your parent is living alone, they can become part of a community and engage with likeminded individuals. Assisted living also means seniors don’t have to worry about any daily hassles and chores, meaning they can concentrate on things and hobbies that they enjoy doing. There’s also tons of freedom to be alone, so if your parent is fiercely independent, you must stress that they have the option to mingle with others or be alone if they wish. It’s better to highlight the benefits of assisted living, rather than focusing on any negatives.
Speak to Loved Ones
If you’re having great difficulty persuading your loved one to think about assisted living, it may be time to bring in other family members. Holding a family meeting with your parent involved can serve as an opportunity for everyone to express their honest thoughts and feelings about assisted living. Try not to make the conversation seem like an intervention, as your parent may feel ganged up on and be more reluctant to move. You should speak to your loved ones before you hold the meeting so you can each plan out what you’re going to say. Although there will be difficult conversations ahead, when it comes to keeping your senior parent safe, it must be done.
Speak to a Health Professional
In addition to speaking to your family members, it may be wise to talk to your parent’s doctor about assisted living. If your loved one isn’t taking what you say on board, they may listen to a healthcare professional. Whether your parent is showing early signs of dementia, or their mobility is beginning to decline, their doctor will be able to identify any issues and potentially persuade your loved one to make the move.
Stay Patient
You must remember, if your parent has lived in their home for many decades, getting them to leave their comfort zone and enter assisted living won’t happen overnight. Although it can be frustrating to wait (especially if they’re not on board with the idea), you must remain patient until your parent feels ready to move. Unfortunately, in many instances, you may have to wait for an accident or fall before your loved one is willing to go into assisted living.
Even though you know your parent moving to assisted living is the right way forward, it can be incredibly difficult seeing them move out of the home they know and love. Make sure you look after yourself in the process and have a strong support network to rely on.
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