Assisted living is a popular choice for loved ones who need a bit of help with daily tasks, but it’s also a difficult decision. If you’ve been trying to convince your parent to move into an assisted living community and haven’t had any luck, here are some tips that can help you succeed:
Emphasize Your Support
You can ease your parent’s anxiety by emphasizing that you will be there to support them, both physically and emotionally. Let them know that you will be present in the building or community, so they don’t have to worry about calling for help when they need something. If necessary, arrange for a caregiver to visit their apartment once a day or week.
Also, explain the benefits of being in an assisted living community. Explain how it provides security and companionship for loved ones who may otherwise feel lonely and isolated. Talk about the social activities available at these facilities—from bingo games to exercise classes—and how they can help keep people active while providing opportunities for new friendships.
Be Patient
The decision to move into an assisted living center is a significant change and can take time for your parents to come around to. You need to be understanding of their concerns and objections and patient with them while they adjust to the idea of moving out of their home and making new friends in a retirement community.
Remember that it’s not just about you. This isn’t just about what you want for your mom or dad; it’s also about what they want for themselves during this stage in their life (which is different than when they were younger).
Find The Right Facility
The next step in getting your parent to move into assisted living is finding the right facility. Check out these five things before you settle on a community:
- Is it close to family? Your parent will want to see you, their grandkids, and other relatives as often as possible. Make sure that assisted living facilities are near your home so you can visit them frequently.
- Is it close to amenities? If there’s an ice cream shop or library nearby, let your parents know about those options. You can even list things they can do in their free time after work and on weekends!
- Is it close to services? When people start getting older, they’re more likely than not to need some medical care—and most facilities have access to doctors and nurses familiar with seniors’ health issues. Some might even have doctors who specialize in geriatric medicine!
- Is it close to shops? Your mom might want some new clothes or accessories while she lives at the facility; make sure she has easy access (by foot), so she doesn’t have any problems picking up what she needs during her stay there.
Ask For Their Help
Asking for your parent’s help can be a powerful tool. You want them to feel like they are part of the process rather than having it done. The most important thing is to ensure you are communicating clearly with your parent about what you need from them so that the two of you don’t get confused or frustrated.
Make Them Feel Safe With A Trial Period
A trial period is a great way to make your parent feel safe. You can ask the community if they will allow your parent to stay for a few days or weeks as a trial, then decide later on whether they want to stay permanently. This will give your parents time to see if the new living conditions are right for him or them, without having to worry about making such an important decision right away.
Conclusion
It’s hard to leave home, but assisted living can be a good option. It can help keep your loved ones safe and healthy for years. If you have concerns about moving into assisted living, we encourage you to talk with family members or other trusted individuals with experience in this area.
