Bringing up the topic of assisted living arcadia in itself is a difficult task in itself. Despite your concerns and worries, you might sometimes find it difficult to speak to your parents about assisted living. You might have noticed the warning signs such as your mom’s immobility, your dad forgetting his medications, etc. In such a scenario, you might have realized the fact that the living arrangement of your loved one is no longer supporting their health and well-being. But the question is how do you even start a conversation about it without making them feel abandoned or guilty? Following are some of the suggestions that might help to break the ice:
Family Gathering
Organize a gathering of your whole family. Include your immediate family members and siblings. Instead of talking to your parents individually, it is always better to have a family meeting. However, the purpose of the meeting must be to thoroughly discuss the topic and try to reach an agreement on what would be best for your parents. So make sure that you do not create a mess and increase the stress of your parents.
Convey your concerns
When you start the conversation, always stress your concerns about their health. It is important to have an honest and open discussion. At the same time, it is equally important to ensure that your loved ones, including your parents, hear your concerns and relate to your sentiments.
Involve your Parents
Give your parents the space to express their thoughts and feelings. Do not make them feel compelled. Let them make their own decisions. Take a tour of the assisted living arcades along with your dear ones. Discuss thoroughly the finances and reach an agreement that will ensure their well-being and support their health.
Weigh the circumstances
Before you start with the conversation, it is important to objectively evaluate the situation of your dear ones. Following are some of the questions that may help you in assessing the situation:
Is it a necessity to consider assisted living?
How will your parents react to the idea?
Are they reluctant? If so, then why?
There could be many reasons behind their resistance. Maybe they are equally worried about you and others in the family. Or, they might be missing family gatherings and other eventful occasions at the house. The point is you need to understand the reason behind their reluctance. Then only you can solve the problem.
The earlier the better
Remember all your family members are a part of the decision-making process. So it is best to introduce the subject early with all the family members involved. This will allow your family members to consider the pros and cons well ahead of time. You will also need time to gradually work through the process considering the challenges.
Be honest in showing your concern
When speaking to the seniors, speak from your heart. Elucidate the advantages of how assisted living is beneficial. Do not let them feel that they are being considered a burden. You have to clearly point out the fact that assisted living can provide care and comfort better than you. Furthermore, emphasize the fact that you are putting their interest as the top priority. Let them understand and see through the reality of how beneficial it will be for both of you.
The approach must be collaborative
Since the decision to assist living will affect everyone in the family, it is important to include everyone in the decision-making process. Take a thorough tour of the communities along with your family, sit down to discuss the finances, and review the options. In addition, make sure to get a medical evaluation of your dear ones.
Seek the help of a healthcare provider
Consider engaging a doctor so that they can help you in explaining why it is necessary for them to move. Not many will accept change at such an age. Hence a doctor can project an argument from a medical perspective.
Last but not least, the conversation you are having with your loved ones must be open. It is difficult to reach an agreement in the first discussion. You need to understand the fact that it is not easy at all to accommodate change and leave a home that is filled with love and memories. Hence, you need to bring up the subject over and over again in the next few weeks or even months. The whole family must feel at ease while discussing assisted living and arriving at a consensus.
Signs indicating your loved ones need assisted living
You need to look out for signs to know if your parents need more care than usual. Although you might want to take care of your loved ones given the time, energy, and caregiver costs, it is always better to move them to assisted living as it will not only take care of them but will also support them in every possible way. Assisted living is one such facility that provides seniors with social opportunities and support to help them live an independent life on their own terms. Following are some of the signs you must look for
Your loved ones are no longer as active and social as they used to be.
Trouble walking and doing their daily activities
Increased requirement for medical attention
Loss of memory
The above signs are an indication that the need for additional help is no longer a luxury but a necessity. The earlier you recognize it the better it is as it will be helpful in making the change a comfortable one.