What to Do if Mom and Dad Need Assisted Living

Realizing your parents need the support of assisted living services is a significant – and often upsetting step for children. After all, the most independent, capable figures in your life are aging and their current lifestyle is becoming too much for them to handle. Further, it can be difficult broaching the subject of assisted living with mom and dad. Below are some useful things to consider when speaking to your parents about moving to an assisted living community.

Be objective about your loved one’s living situation.

First of all, it’s important to properly evaluate your loved one’s situation before you start this important conversation. For example, analyze exactly what it is they are struggling with. Common issues could include:

·        Forgetting to take medication or accidentally overdosing.

·        Letting home or garden maintenance pile up.

·        Forgetting appointments, food on the stove or regular social engagements.

·        A Widow or Widower sits alone for long periods of time every day causing depression or axiety.

·        Struggling to get upstairs, bathe or do household chores.

These are all areas where practical, easy solutions can be implemented through the comfort of your loved one’s apartment by professionals at an assisted living facility. In many cases, seniors don’t want to ask for help from friends and family because they don’t want to put anyone out. An independent or assisted living community provides care from certified caregivers without infringing on independence and dignity.

Why doesn’t your elderly loved one want to move to an assisted living community?

Many seniors are resistant to change. Especially one that involves changing their address. Dealing with the source of that resistance can help make the move easier for all involved. For example, if your loved one is worried about being further away from friends or family, you can assure them that the assisted living options for consideration are all nearby. Another common reason for reluctance is the notion that assisted living communities strip seniors of their independence and do not have much entertainment to offer. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Assisted living has come a long way with services offered and fun on-site amenities like live entertainment, group fitness classes, designated activity rooms and more. Figure out the root of your loved one’s reluctance to help provide them with the most updated information, that will also assure their happiness and comfort.

Get your senior parent involved in every step of the process.

Many people, not just seniors, have a certain idea of what assisted living and independent living communities are all about – and they’re usually wrong. Unlike the cold, institutional facilities they’re thinking of, modern independent living communities are far more focused on the comfort, independence and quality of life of their residents. When you are researching your options, narrow down your search to a few places that offer the kind of support that would best benefit your loved one. First, visit each of these places on your own and get answers to everything you and your loved one are concerned about. Then, bring your loved one for a guided tour of the facilities you think they would best enjoy, so they can see for themselves what each community is all about and what they offer. This will not only give your loved one a new perspective on senior living, but it will also help them feel more in control of this important decision.

Start slowly, don’t rush to the final decision.

When it comes to a decision this big, there is no need to rush. If you’ve done a lot of research, simply informing your loved one of your desire for them to move into assisted living can be overwhelming and upsetting to them. Rather, take several months (if needed) to slowly introduce the subject and give them time to raise concerns, talk about different options and get used to the idea. Listen carefully to issues they raise and treat each of them with care and thoughtfulness. It might take some time, many visits to different communities and chats with caring professionals, but it will help you and your parents make the best move.

Assisted Living for Seniors in NJ

At JCHC’s Lester Senior Living campus, we offer a wide range of tailored support services for aging seniors in an environment which delivers the highest quality of life. Designed to enhance independence, our lively social program is updated monthly with a variety of activities to suit each resident’s individual hobbies. Some of our most popular activities include Movie Matinees, Trivia Nights, and JCHC University Classes.

For more information about assisted living and independent living options in NJ, call us today or visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org

 

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