The Toughest Conversation: Your Parent and Assisted Living

There's no denying that the decision to place an elderly loved one in assisted living is a tough decision. However, it's the matter of informing your loved one about that decision that, for many, is all the more terrifying. If you're in this exact situation, don't fret! Hundreds of people across the state (and even the country) find themselves in the same boat each and every year. It's completely understandable and common to encounter difficulties with telling your elderly parent of your decision. After all, you will essentially be uprooting them from their longtime home and their sense of independence for a totally new environment and way of living. To help you know how to say and what to anticipate, here are a few suggestions to help you approach your senior loved one.

Start Slowly

Don't throw all the details about your parent's move to assisted living on them all at once. The very concept will likely prove to be a huge shock to the system. Allow your parent the time and space they need to absorb this change by introducing them to the reality of it as slowly as possible. Don't make the decision sound completely absolute. Your parent is still an adult, regardless of their current level of ability, and should still be treated as such. When you first bring up the topic of assisted living in Surprise, AZ, ask your parent how they'd feel about the idea of moving to such a facility. Additionally, you may not want to refer to assisted living under those exact terms, as it can be jarring to hear. You can instead call it a "senior community," or a similar term, if you believe it will help with your parent's comfort.

Understand Their Concerns

It is highly likely that your parent will have at least a few reservations regarding their potential move to assisted living in Surprise, AZ. If so, now is not the time to argue with them. Doing so will more than likely just force them to dig their heels in about the issue. Instead, talk calmly and compassionately with them. Get to the bottom of just what aspects of moving to assisted living bothers them. For some, it may be the perceived lack of independence. Others may worry about their current home and what will happen to it once they leave. By getting to know exactly what aspects of assisted living intimidate your parent, you can help them find a comforting solution to the issue.

Illuminate the Bright Side

Your parent should enter assisted living in Surprise, AZ with the knowledge that the experience does not represent a loss so much as a new beginning. Try and talk with your parent about the advantages assisted living will bring to their lives. This could include much better healthcare, a chance to meet new friends, increased freedom from financial burdens or a similar benefit. Try to tie the advantages in with matters that may have been a source of worry for your elderly loved one previously.

A Caring Hand for Mom is here to help you with every step of the process as you move your senior loved one to assisted living in Surprise, AZ. Call us at 800.881.7706 or visit our website to learn more about our services.