Raising the topic of assisted living with your aging parent is an intimidating thought, because who knows how mom and dad will react? However, assisted living is a necessity for many a retiree due to the various safety and quality of life benefits that it provides. Discussing about assisted living may be a scary prospect, but with these tips, you’re much more likely to have a fruitful and successful conversation together.
Discussing It Early
Discussing assisted living early provides many advantages in the long run. Talking about assisted living before the occurrence of a health emergency allows for a more methodical, more comprehensive conversation. Furthermore, the discussion of assisted living will be a long one that’s best accomplished throughout multiple conversations. Thus, starting early will give both you and your parent more space and time to think it over and reflect on the concept of entering assisted living.
Look for a Natural Introduction
Suddenly bringing up the suggestion to consider assisted living out of nowhere would most likely be met with confusion and rejection. If possible, look for a natural window of opportunity to introduce the topic to your parent. For example, if your parent sustains a minor fall injury, you can remind your parent that you won’t be able to help them in such situations every single time. By discussing such an incident, your wishes regarding your parent’s move to assisted living will be rationalized further, making it easier for the both of you to see eye-to-eye on the subject of assisted living.
Be an Active Listener
Your parent is likely to have more than a few anxieties regarding the process of transitioning to an assisted living community, and it’s in both of your best interests for you to listen to them seriously. By practicing active listening and taking your parent’s worries seriously, you’ll be able to communicate to them that your suggestion for them to move into assisted living is a suggestion made out of care and consideration.
Don’t Be Forceful
One thing not to do would be to issue orders to your elderly parent. While you may believe that you’re doing what’s best for the both of you, giving ultimatums and being overly forceful towards your parent does more bad than good. Not only does it discredit and antagonize you in the discussion, but it could also strain your relationship with your parent in the long run.
Encourage Community Tours
While convincing your parent to move into an assisted living community may be difficult, it’s fairly easy to ask them to at least tour a community and take a look. Bringing your elderly parent to see what assisted living is like with their own eyes can be a game-changer for your discussion. Involving assisted living community teams as a resource of information and experience can go a long way in convincing your parent of the advantages of joining an assisted living community.
Our retirement community’s assisted living program gives your family the best of both worlds: The safety and peace of mind that you’ll appreciate, and the independent lifestyle your parent will love. For more information, explore our senior living options today!
