Assisted living facilities are the solution for many aging family members struggling with a decline in their physical or mental health. But all many don’t enter assisted living with open arms and accepting attitudes. Some resist moving into an assisted living community because they feel disconnected from their environment or loved ones or resent relying on others for help. If you’re trying to convince your aging parent that it’s time for them to move into an assisted living community, but they refuse, here are some reasons why:
They Feel That Caregivers Don’t Understand Their Physical Or Mental Abilities
There are many reasons why seniors may refuse care. One of the most common is that caregivers don’t understand their physical or mental abilities.
Loved ones who have lost a spouse may develop health problems due to depression, grief, and isolation. Aging family members who feel this way often refuse help from friends and family members who offer assistance because they don’t want to burden them with their needs. They also don’t want anyone to know how weak they’ve become and how dependent on others they may now be—it’s more embarrassing for them to ask for help than it is for someone else to offer assistance without being asked first!
If you suspect that your loved one is in denial about their condition:
- Encourage them to talk about their feelings with a counselor, friend, or family member they trust.
- Meet with an elder care provider on their behalf, so they don’t have to make any major decisions while they are still struggling with grief and shock
The Resident Has Pain Issues That Are Not Being Addressed
For some aging family members, pain is the main reason they struggle with daily Living. This can be a particularly difficult problem for family members who are by themselves because when it’s hard for them to do things like eat or walk, there’s no one around to help them. If you see that your loved one is having trouble doing any of these things due to pain issues, it’s time to start talking about assisted living options.
The Resident Has Cognitive Problems And Is Confused About What They Need
Aging adults with cognitive impairment cannot make the best decisions for themselves. They may be confused about what they need, which can be exacerbated by other factors like dementia, depression, or anxiety.
If you see signs of cognitive problems in your loved one that could confuse:
- Discuss your concerns with them — if they understand the issue and why it’s important to address it (or even agree), then it’s likely not a case of cognitive decline.
- If you’re unsure whether or not your loved one understands what’s being said, ask them questions like “Do you know where we are right now?” or “Can you tell me who I am?” The answers should give insight into whether there is any mental impairment.
Conclusion
The truth is that it will take time, but aging family members will eventually settle into assisted Living and benefit from it. The caregiver will need to adjust to the resident’s needs, and there may be setbacks along the way, but remember that this is all part of the process!
The team at Independent Living can help you find the right senior-friendly independent living community for your loved one and make sure they have all the support they need to live life to the fullest.
