(While most older adults prefer to stay at home for as long as possible, sometimes assisted living can be a good option. Guest post below is by Lydia Chan).
Assisted living has many benefits for older adults, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your loved one is looking forward to the idea. In many cases, seniors resist moving to assisted living, or don’t accept that it might be necessary for their well being. As a caregiver, it’s important that you know what behaviors indicate that assisted living is necessary so that you can have a productive conversation about the topic. Below are tips that will make it easier to help your loved one make the transition.
Know When It’s Time
It’s hard to tell when your elderly parent or relative really needs assisted living. However, you can start by learning about the behaviors and situations that indicate your loved one would be safer in assisted living. For example, mobility issues, frequent falls or memory problems can all be signs that assisted living is the best option.
But the decision shouldn’t just be based on your loved one’s behavior. It’s also crucial to be aware of caregiver burnout. If you are struggling to provide everything your loved one needs by yourself, assisted living may be in everyone’s best interest.
Having a Good Conversation
For many things, timing is everything. That’s certainly the case when talking about assisted living. As a caregiver, you probably have a pretty good idea of your loved one’s feelings towards assisted living. If not, it’s helpful to get a feel for their attitudes before starting a conversation. This will help you approach the topic with more sensitivity.
After deciding that it’s time for assisted living, you may also want to spend some time doing research. For example, it may help to compile a list of facilities in your area and figure out what amenities each one offers. Knowing how much each facility costs will also be important.
Starting your conversation can be difficult, but Assisted Living Today explains that it’s better to begin having discussions early before you’re forced to have the talk. Involving your other family members and stressing the benefits of assisted living might also make it easier to discuss. Because it’s a major life decision, you should also be prepared to revisit the conversation more than once rather than settling the matter after one discussion.
Preparing for Assisted Living
After getting your loved one on board with the idea of assisted living, it’s important to get a few things ready. One step you might want to take is to reassess your parent’s insurance coverage options. It’s not a topic that anyone wants to think about, but checking your parent’s life insurance coverage can give you both peace of mind. If your parent doesn’t already have insurance, purchasing a small policy can remove any worries you may have about covering final expenses.
It’s also important to have a moving plan in place. If your loved one has lived in the same house for years, chances are you will need to work on getting rid of a few things before making the move. Decluttering and downsizing will make it easier to pack and settle in.
Helping Your Loved One Stay Connected
For many seniors, the fear of becoming isolated is one of the deterrents of moving to assisted living. With that in mind, it’s more important than ever to help your loved one feel connected to friends and family after they move. Luckily, there are many ways to help your loved one make new connections in assisted living.
Getting your loved one to use communication apps like Zoom is also a great way to stay social regardless of the distance between you. If your loved one is hesitant to use technology, remind them it’s never too late to learn something new.
As a caregiver, it’s often difficult to recognize or accept the signs that your loved one would benefit from assisted living. Likewise, many older adults are resistant to the idea. Learning how to recognize when assisted living is necessary, as well as how to talk about it in a productive way, can help everyone feel heard and understood.
Lydia Chan can be reached by email. More caregiving information is available at Alzheimer’s Caregiver.