Informing a Loved One That They Need Assisted Living Services

How do you inform a loved one that they need assisted living services?

One of the most challenging talks you can have is with your parents or other loved ones about transitioning to assisted living. However, if you find that they have trouble with daily activities such as bathing, feeding, and toileting, it might be time to consider moving them to an assisted living facility.

We’ve put together a list of five suggestions to help you talk to a loved one about assisted living options if they need them.

Making It Easier to Talk About Assisted Living Options

While there are several different forms of senior housing options, not all have the same quality of treatment. However getting support with everyday activities can better your loved one’s quality of life, during their golden years.

Temporary assisted living can also be beneficial during the healing process after a stroke, a broken bone, or another medical setback. In assisted living communities, appropriately skilled nurses will provide drug management, memory care, and other resources at these senior communities.

One of the most difficult conversations you can have is informing a loved one that they require assisted living. Fortunately, there are several ways to plan for this conversation.

Look at Assisted Living Facilities

Before speaking with your loved one, it is important to have details such as the cost of assisted living and the available services. They’ll be relieved to learn that you’ve done your research and are well-versed in the truth.

Finances: Your loved one might be worried about assisted living costs, which can be very high. Consider putting together a budget to illustrate how they would be able to afford assisted living. A well-thought-out budget will reassure you that assisted living is an option.

Facilities available: Research assisted living facilities in your area and made a list of your top choices. You may go to the facilities to get information and brochures. Don’t, however, inundate your loved one with too much detail all at once. Concentrate on the features that are most important to your loved one and family. Credentials of the workers, services, leisure events, and the facility’s social calendar can all be top priorities.

A good timetable is as follows:

• Consider when the relocation will take place and what will need to be done in the meantime.
• Consider your loved one’s personality when deciding if it’s best to prepare ahead of time for the transition because waiting too long may cause them undo stress.
• Leave enough time for your loved one to process what’s happening and adjust to assisted living.

Emotional and Mental Considerations

Because of the problems caused by dementia, many older people need assisted living. Other psychological and emotional factors can also play a role. These issues can make discussing the benefits and drawbacks of assisted living more difficult.

Whatever your loved one’s emotional state, it’s important to include them as much as possible in the decision-making process. When a loved one suffers from dementia or other cognitive or emotional issues, it is important that they are included in the process. Fear and a sense of lack of control are common symptoms of mental deterioration. Having a say in where they spend the rest of their lives will make them feel more grounded and safe.

Many seniors understand that moving to assisted living is a watershed moment in their lives. They are aware that they will not be able to return home, so they will object to this transfer. It could be a difficult time for them and the rest of your family. Recognize your loved one’s concerns as a safe way to comfort them.

Seek Assistance with the Assisted Living Discussion

Family members who are concerned about your loved one will assist you in discussing assisted living options. With these people, discuss the best approach to the topic. You’ll want to make sure you’re on the same page and see assisted living in the same way. You should arrange for both of you to speak with your loved one individually and then come together for a more in-depth conversation if necessary.

Choose the Appropriate Moment to Discuss Assisted Living

It’s unlikely that the first time you mention assisted living would be the last. Before having a serious family meeting, you may want to begin by casually discussing assisted living. The gentle approach will make your loved one feel more at ease, and he or she will be less likely to be defensive. You might suggest a fantastic facility in the region that you’ve heard about or tell them about a friend who recently moved into assisted living.

Avoid starting these discussions during stressful situations. Following the death of a partner or a significant health loss, many individuals move into assisted living. It’s difficult to open a discussion about a major life change at this moment. Plant the seeds ahead of time, so they aren’t caught off guard.

Pay a visit to an Assisted Living Center

Many senior citizens have never seen a modern assisted living facility. They may have a mental picture of spending the majority of their time alone in a cold nursing home. Many assisted living communities, on the other hand, are new, upbeat communities with loving workers, enjoyable social events, and high-quality food. Visiting an assisted living community with your loved one is a great way for them to see this type of health care firsthand.

Consider paying a visit to a neighbor who lives in a high-quality assisted living facility. Also most facilities provide tours or invite visitors to join residents in activities such as card night or bowling. Your loved one will have an opportunity to get a sense of what life in assisted living is like.

Final Thoughts on Recommending Assisted Living to a Family Member

Talking to a loved one about transitioning to assisted living can be complicated and emotional. Begin by sowing seeds early, but follow their lead when it comes to senior care. You can see signs that it’s time to move, but by being compassionate and empathic, you will assist them in making the best choice for their treatment.

If you are considering Assisted Living for your loved one in the Fletcher NC area, Silverbell Homestead would love to connect with you!

Please call us directly at 828-492-3876, email us at [email protected], or use this contact form. Thanks!