How to Start the Conversation About Senior Living & Care With Your Loved One
If you have an aging parent or a loved one, it can be difficult to bring up the subject of senior care options with them. In most cases, timing is everything, but there are usually signs that your loved one may be ready for an alternative to living alone rather than on their own.
The senior living facilities are ideal for seniors who are in need of more care after a doctor diagnoses them with a chronic health condition, a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, or for seniors who do not have loved ones nearby to help them with daily activities and medication management as they grow older. Having the conversation sooner will give you more options to devise a plan for your parent.
Tips for a less stressful conversation:
- Begin Early
Oftentimes, something drastic has to happen to initiate a discussion about the issue, e.g. a fall or a chronic condition that becomes a “wake-up call” during which you may not be able to make the best decision for your loved one, so getting ahead of the conversation is always best. The fact that your parent is struggling with household tasks or is complaining about loneliness might be an opportunity to discuss options with them. It would be better to start with the benefits of caring for them rather than the burdens and difficulties that might be involved in caring for them if you are going to broach the subject. - Use the Right Words
It is understandable that phrases such as “facility” or “nursing home” may cause fear when you are discussing options for living with your parents or loved ones. These words bring to mind the idea of a restrictive living environment. As an alternative, the word “community” communicates an inviting atmosphere and the idea of a home where your loved one will be able to enjoy life to the fullest.An active Senior Living Community is a community of people who live together and promote healthy living and socialization at the same time. Furthermore, they also provide onsite nursing support as well as health-related services to their patients. - Visit As Many Senior Living Facilities/Communities As Possible
If you begin the conversation early, you will be able to visit several communities, which will provide you with more options. When you attend a tour, you can get a sense of what a community is like, how entertained the residents are, what the dining options are like, and so forth. - Approach the Conversation as a Possibility
Telling your loved one that you’re moving them to some unknown location without prior knowledge or time to prepare can be scary. Bring up the topic as an opportunity rather than a decision made for them. - Don’t Dismiss What They’ll Miss
It can be frightening for your loved ones to feel that they won’t have the same freedom of access to family as they used to have. It is very common for our parents to worry about the fact that they will no longer be able to see their loved ones or that they will be removed from the life they know. Find out what is causing their worry and find a way to bridge that gap. - Now is the Time
The sooner you begin the conversation, the better off you will be. The process can be made a lot easier if you plan ahead. This way, it will be less likely to come as a surprise when the decision is made. It can be a special time for those who are relocating into a community of peers who share the same interests, worries, beliefs, and hobbies as they do when they move into senior living.
As you will see from the activities we offer, the friendships we create, and the care we provide, our residents’ adjustment time to Plainfield Healthcare Center is significantly shortened.