How To Convince an Elderly Parent To Move to Assisted Living
If you have an elderly parent who may need additional assistance and support, things can be a challenge when they still live at home. The emotional and difficult conversation of convincing them to move to assisted living can take a bit of a mental toll. However, your loved one may be worried about things like leaving their home, losing their independence, or being “taken care of”.
Easing the worried mind of an elderly loved one is no easy task. Yet, it takes the right approach, compassion, and reassurance to let them know that assisted living communities are an excellent option compared to living at home alone where the safety risks are almost insurmountable.
Start the Conversation Early and Focus On How They Feel
Rather than wait for a crisis or a health emergency, it would be better to start the conversation early and gently. Ask your parents about how they’re feeling about daily tasks, driving, cooking, cleaning, managing medication, or staying social. It is important to listen more than you speak, giving them the chance to feel heard rather than pressured.
One thing to note is that a conversation like this doesn’t end in one sitting. It’s something that will take time. Don’t be discouraged when a resolution of some kind isn’t found or a decision hasn’t been made. Building trust early while not forcing a decision overnight is key. You’ll want to reassure them that you are not “pushing them out of their home”, but instead exploring ways to make their lives easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
Focus on Benefits, Not Loss of Independence
One of the major reasons why seniors resist the idea of senior assisted living is the fear of losing control over their lives. Rather than focus on what they’ll leave behind, discuss with them what they will gain. This includes the following:
- Freedom from cooking, maintenance, and housekeeping
- Access to friendships and social opportunities
- Daily activities they can participate in
- Peace of mind for themselves and the family
Assisted living supports independence. Meaning your elderly parent can still maintain that independence but with a bit of additional support that pertains to their needs. They’re not giving up too much. They are gaining more than what they have at the moment. One of them is the peace of mind knowing they are living in a much safer environment and help being able to arrive in just one call (and fast).
Discuss Safety Honestly, But Compassionately
If your elderly parent has experienced falls, confusion, loneliness, or challenges with medication management, you can gently point out these concerns. It’s also best to use caring language such as the following:
- “I worry about you being alone if something happens.”
- “I want you to be somewhere safer. You’ll have people who will always be around to help.”
- “You deserve to relax and enjoy life. You don’t need to struggle every day.”
While assisted living is an excellent option, you may be wondering “what if my elderly parent is dealing with memory loss or cognitive challenges”. That’s where memory care can be the better option. Your elderly parent’s challenges with their memory and cognitive abilities can greatly increase safety concerns especially if they are living alone.
In a memory care setting, your loved one will be under the care of specially trained caregivers while also being able to feel calm, supported, and understood in an environment that is tailor-made for those living with cognitive challenges.
Involve Them In The Decision-Making Process
It’s true that no one wants to feel like a decision is being made for them. That is why giving your parents control whenever possible is necessary. This is a plus whenever you want them to choose a community, the apartment, or the decor that makes their space more inviting. It’s also the best time to consider scheduling a tour of the communities so that your parents can determine if it is the best fit for them.
Once they experience the atmosphere, friendly neighbors, comfortable spaces, and much more, your parents will feel more open to residing there as opposed to being home alone. Suddenly, the idea of moving becomes an easier topic to discuss.
Give Your Loved One The Best Living Environment Possible At Brayden Park Assisted Living & Memory Care
Your elderly parent deserves peace of mind, a comfortable living environment, and so much more. Brayden Park Assisted Living & Memory Care offers this and more. While the talk about moving may seem like a challenge at first, we’ll make sure that your elderly parents are happy with their new scenery here at Brayden Park. To schedule a tour with us, contact our office today.
