Assisted living provides a safe, clean environment for older adults to thrive. There are benefits to joining a senior community. That doesn’t mean it’s easy. For many, the prospect of moving into this type of facility can be scary and upsetting.
The idea of reaching our golden years can be received with mixed emotions. Some seniors fear losing their independence and autonomy. They worry about being in a depressing, unfamiliar place where they feel trapped and forgotten.
Today’s assisted living homes are quite different from the stereotypes often associated with them. They are built to be more residential. Walking in can feel like entering someone’s home, with comfortable furniture, decorations, and a cozy atmosphere.
Staff are also available to provide support and social interaction. This is something that many seniors do not have when they live alone.
After living decades as an independent adult, many seniors are reluctant to make the move. This can be distressing for a worried child who sees the signs of aging in a parent beginning to affect their ability to take care of themselves.
Figuring out how to find an assisted living community that’s a good fit is important. However, before you settle on a community, first you must have a conversation with your loved one. Easing them into the idea and soothing their fears is an essential first step.
Be Understanding When You Start the Conversation
Approach the conversation with empathy and understanding. Don’t take push back as a personal attack. This can be challenging for families that have a more adversarial dynamic.
Make sure you have the discussion during a time that is calm without distractions. It is not something that should be brought up during an argument.
Let your parent know that this is a significant decision to make and acknowledge that they may have strong feelings about it. Let them know that you love them and are concerned about their health and wellbeing.
Lay the groundwork for a productive conversation by telling them that you care and want the best for them. It isn’t uncommon for seniors to express concerns like:
- Fear of abandonment once they are in assisted living
- Fear of losing their independence and control over their life
- Fear of not being able to do the things that they love to do
- Fear of being in a place that’s cold or unwelcoming
Make room for your loved one to express these concerns.
Actively Listen to Your Parent’s Concerns About Assisted Living
Actively listen to what your parent has to say about assisted living. Doing so helps you understand their fears so you can figure out how to address them. It also makes your loved one feel heard and lets them know that their opinions and feelings are being considered in this decision.
Do not interrupt when they express concerns. Be patient and let them say what they need to and show them that you understand and that their feelings are valid.
Even if they are resistant now, that doesn’t mean they won’t come around eventually. They may need more time to process their emotions and gain clarity on what’s truly best for them.
Share the Benefits of Assisted Living with Your Parent
Share the benefits of assisted living with your parent. They may not be aware of what will be available to them once they make the move.
Consider the challenges your parent faces now and show them how assisted living could help them overcome those obstacles while retaining as much independence as possible. It’s also one of many lifestyle changes that will help protect or improve senior mobility. Mobility limitations can stand in the way of a senior living a happy, fulfilling life.
The benefits that would be the most relevant or appealing to your loved one will depend on their health status, needs, and preferences. If you aren’t sure where to begin, check out Pinnacle Peak Senior Living services to see what is included.
Keep Your Parent Involved in the Decision-Making Process
Your parent should be involved in the decision-making process. Even if something has changed that is forcing them to move to assisted living, they should still feel like they have a say.
Show them available assisted living communities. Check out reviews and see which amenities are included. You can also discuss things like which belongings they would like to bring or how they might like to decorate their room.
Even small decisions can make them feel like they have more control over their lives. Making them a part of the decision-making process will help them accept the change in the long run.
Get the Family Involved in the Transition to Assisted Living
Get the whole family involved in the move to assisted living. Loved ones can also have heartfelt discussions about their concerns and how they want the best for your parent.
This is also a great time to talk about how everyone will stay in touch. Long-distance relatives could offer to make phone or video calls regularly. Local family members could plan visits. Holiday and family events could also be discussed.
This will help your parent understand that they aren’t being abandoned and give them more to look forward to after they move into assisted living.
Plan a Tour of an Assisted Living Community
Seeing an assisted living community in person can help ease fears. Your loved one can meet residents and hear about what their daily life is like. They can see the communal spaces, tour resident rooms, and experience the atmosphere for themselves.
This is also a great time to meet staff and residents. Getting to know people ahead of time will help your loved one feel more comfortable once they move in. They can begin this chapter of their life with some familiarity or even a new friend or two.
Contact Pinnacle Peak Senior Living to get started with a tour of our Scottsdale senior home.
