Discussing community living with your loved ones can be difficult due to fear. When we broach the subject, we create doubt in seniors’ minds. Changing out of a set routine is hard work, so beating around the bush becomes a convenient way to postpone this important discussion. However, having this conversation as soon as possible will help your loved ones avoid future anxieties. Find out how to bring up assisted living with parents by reading on.
Do Your Research on Assisted Living Options
Different assistant living communities have different traits. Based on findings from the National Center for Assisted Living, more than 800,000 seniors are currently living in 28,900 assisted living communities across America. Be aware of the options in your state or the state where your parents want to settle. Furthermore, it’s important to check certain information such as your father’s veteran status to see if he’s entitled to subsidized accommodation. In short, knowing your parents’ financial situation helps with choosing a plan that best suits their needs.
Empathize with Your Parents’ Fears
The most common fear that your loved ones might have is that a senior living community could be their final home. They might fear losing their independence when they move to a new community and worry that their relationship with you will be negatively affected as well. Being aware of their anxieties will help them feel safer. Let your loved ones know that moving to an assisted living community will not overturn their daily lives and in no way diminishes your relationship. In fact, an assisted living community could give them more time to do the things they love and couldn’t do before.
Read about Illness Progression
As your parents age, it is normal for their illnesses to progress at a faster rate. As such, reading up on your loved ones’ health conditions can help you make informed decisions about a relocation plan. Commonly diagnosed illnesses in seniors include dementia, Parkinson’s and vitamin D deficiency. Do consult your parents’ doctor to fully understand their story. Once you have the full picture, you can bring it up to your loved ones in a polite tone, informing them that a community tailored to their needs can offer medical services that would speed up their recovery. When you’re transparent about your parents’ medical histories, you can help them visualize their path to better living.
Have Ongoing Discussions
Talking about assisted living shouldn’t be a one-time discussion. Instead, it’s important to keep this topic ongoing. Choose a safe space like the kitchen and let your parents know how much you care by acknowledging that assisted living is a difficult topic to discuss. By bringing the topic up early, you can be sure to gain your loved ones’ trust.
The most difficult discussions in life are often the most important, which is why talking to your parents about assisted living takes a significant level of courage. In addition to being strong enough to approach the subject, you have to be sympathetic and realize that your parents could feel hurt. By contacting a senior lifestyle coordinator at Veranda Club, you can ease your collective anxieties about the process and even take a virtual tour to discover the diverse programs and facilities available to you. Make an appointment today!
