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As your parents age, there will inevitably be a time when you may need to consider additional help to care for them.
Whether they have a chronic disease that’s difficult to manage alone, are injured, struggling with personal care, or need rehabilitation after surgery, discussing the possibility of senior living can be difficult.
Moving to an assisted living community is a significant life change for older adults. Leaving their family home, friends, and neighbors can be overwhelming, or your parents may fear they’ll lose their independence.
Although talking to your parents about moving to assisted living can be a difficult and emotional conversation, there are ways to have a successful conversation.
1. Be Prepared for the Conversation
Before initiating a conversation with your parents about moving to an assisted living community, make sure you are prepared. You want to be ready to answer their questions and give them options for communities in your area.
Research your area's assisted living communities and ask about available apartments, amenities, and services.
Speak with their doctor to understand their care needs. Choose a calm, neutral space for the conversation. If you have siblings or other family members who are involved, speak with them in advance to ensure you’re on the same page.
2. Be Patient and Empathetic
Don’t be surprised if your parents are resistant to moving to an assisted living community. This is a big step; they may be afraid, apprehensive, and angry. And it’s normal to feel guilty.
Start the conversation with patience and understanding, listen carefully, and validate their feelings. Let them know you respect their input and decisions.
Put yourself in their shoes. Moving from their family home to an unknown environment is overwhelming and emotionally devastating. Let them know you understand and respect their feelings. Don’t push them to decide right away. Give them time to think it through and talk it over.
3. Listen Carefully and Address Concerns
Your parents may have a lot to say about moving to assisted living. Your job is to listen without interruptions.
Listening shows respect and gives you valuable insight into the type of community that will fit their needs.
Encourage an open dialogue, listen to their fears, concerns, needs, and preferences, and provide information and solutions. Reassure them and let them know you are in this together to find a community that meets their needs.
4. Involve Them in the Process
Involving your parents in the process is essential to choosing an assisted living community that meets their needs.
Ask them what’s important to them in a community. Are they more concerned with the living accommodations, types of activities, or available amenities?
If possible, take them on tours to visit various communities. This will allow them to observe the community culture, talk to residents, meet staff, and view apartments. If they’re unable to physically tour communities, many offer virtual tours, online videos, and resident testimonials you can share and discuss with your parents.
5. Focus on the Benefits
Start the conversation by discussing how assisted living can enhance their life.
It’s easy to focus on the negative aspects of moving to an assisted living community. However, there are several benefits of assisted living your parents may not have considered.
Assisted living communities are designed for seniors who value independence but need assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and grooming.
These communities focus on personalized support, combining the conveniences and comfort of community living with the independence of a private apartment.
Check out some of the benefits of Allegro Assisted Living communities:
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Planned activities and events
- Transportation
- Safety and security features
- Resort like amenities
Wrap-up
Talking to your parents about moving to assisted living can be stressful, overwhelming, and emotional.
Being prepared with the correct information and options, involving them in the process, focusing on the benefits, and listening are essential to having a successful conversation.
Moving to assisted living is a big step, and your parents desire to take this step feeling confident, safe, and respected.
If you have questions or concerns about assisted living, an Allegro advisor can help!
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