This guest blog, Guiding Your Senior Loved Ones Toward a Move to Assisted Living, was written by Lydia Chan owner of the Alzheimer’s Caregiver website.
When it comes to senior living, it can be argued that assisted living is the best choice. It is the best of both worlds. In most assisted living facilities, a senior can rely on receiving the right amount of care they require. They also get adequate assistance in daily living tasks like bathing, grooming, and continence. They also don’t have to worry about cooking and chores as meals are prepared, and facilities usually include housekeeping and linen services.
Despite this level of service and attention, seniors also enjoy a considerable measure of independence and privacy. Assisted living facilities are essentially communities where they can socialize with other residents. They enjoy a wide variety of fun activities that keep them physically active, mentally engaged, and socially busy.
The real question is how to tell if your senior loved ones actually need assisted living. Even more important is whether they’re amenable to this very important change in their lives. As much as you recognize the importance of assisted living for your senior parents or grandparents, it is their lives and they should be part of the decision. Here are the main things that you need to consider as you tackle this sensitive transition.
The Signs
It can be argued that seniors can age in place just as comfortably and safely with home modifications and in-house help. But it is important to know when assisted living is the more feasible option. This will entail learning to recognize certain signs and understanding these may be indicative that a move is imminent.
Medical and mobility concerns are the most noticeable signs. Are you observing that your senior loved one is losing weight, visibly struggling with home life, and progressively needing more help with living tasks and menial chores? It may be time to make the move to assisted living. Ditto when there’s a visible mental decline. When your loved one starts to forget basic things like paying bills or wandering without supervision, there’s no denying the inevitable.
There are seniors who have more serious medical ailments which may require more care. In these cases, it’s smart to explore nursing homes. These facilities are better equipped to provide more comprehensive medical and mental care services.
The Virtues
Once you’ve determined that your senior loved ones will have a better quality of life in assisted living, it’s time to have “the conversation” with them. No doubt you may find this to be a difficult part of the process. Many seniors are quite set in their ways and often resistant to change. Having to move to a strange new place at this stage in their lives can be quite jarring and emotionally overwhelming.
For this reason, it’s crucial to be delicate in your approach. Start by discussing the many virtues of assisted living. Emphasize how the move will take so many tedious things out of their hands (such as housework or home maintenance). The support they can expect if they move to this type of community will help. And you can highlight the fun stuff, such as the numerous opportunities to socialize and the activities they might enjoy.
It you really want to make a strong case, research various facilities in your area of choice and visit them with your senior loved ones. Actually seeing the community is far more compelling than a colorful brochure, plus it’s a great way to assess the vibe of a place.
Convincing a senior to move to assisted living will hinge heavily on consideration and respect. Don’t lose sight of the fact that this is their life, after all. And when you have their best interests at heart, ultimately, they’ll recognize that, too.
Additional resources
More resources to make this transition easier and more painless on your senior loved ones when it comes to Guiding Your Senior Loved Ones Toward a Move to Assisted Living:
Assisted Living: The Money Questions to Ask (Before You Sign a Contract)
How to Pay for Nursing Home Care
Why Downsizing and Moving to Assisted Living is the Best Move
10 Decorating Ideas for an Assisted Living Apartment
Low-Impact Exercises for Assisted Living
Lydia Chan’s website, the Alzheimer’s Caregiver provides tips, advice, and resources to caregivers of those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. You can contact Lydia at lydia@alzheimerscaregiver.net.
This blog is published to provide you with general information only and is not intended to provide specific or comprehensive advice. Money Care, LLC encourages individuals to seek advice from competent professionals when appropriate.
Photo via Pexels.com
