Are your parents beginning to need extra help with basic daily tasks? You may have noticed it’s become more of a challenge for them to safely bathe and dress or shop and prepare meals.
If they could use a helping hand, an assisted living community could offer the right support for them to embrace their best quality of life.
But having the conversation and getting them to say yes is not always easy.
The benefits of assisted living
Where to begin? Understanding all the advantages can be a great place to start:
- Private residences and an independent lifestyle
Reassure your parents that they won’t lose their independence if they move into an assisted living community. They’ll still have a private residence and make their own decisions. How they choose to spend their days, when and what to eat, when to go to bed, and when to wake up will all be up to them.
- Help and assistance when needed
Explaining how much easier the challenging daily tasks could be if they move into an assisted living community can help parents better understand the services available. Whether it’s assistance with laundry, grooming, or managing their medications, parents also appreciate that they don’t need to always call on their children for help.
- Activities, social events and delicious dining
Older adults who have become more isolated, or have trouble attending or participating in events and activities they always enjoyed, also appreciate only having to walk out their front door to discover what’s waiting. Most residents love the idea of no longer needing to plan, prepare, cook and clean-up after meals. They only need to choose from great menu selections, sit back and enjoy.
- Friendships and companions
Social isolation and loneliness can become a reality as we grow older, due to health, mobility or logistics. And they both have a negative impact on our health. Making new friends couldn’t be simpler when an assisted living community is home. Activities and social events provide a natural setting to meet others and discover how much there is in common.
- Secure and maintenance-free living
Security and safety are issues older adults are concerned about, even if they haven’t shared that with their children. But a community’s security systems and knowing help is always there provide immense reassurance.
Residents who have been taking care of their own homes and the responsibilities of upkeep love the freedom that comes from having someone else take over.
Parents and assisted living: encouraging them to say yes
If you could use a few tips to help your parents take advantage of all that assisted living has to offer, consider these 5 ideas:
- Plan ahead and prepare
Gather all the needed information before your conversations. Learn as much as you can so you can address any of their concerns and answer their questions.
Choose the time that works best for your parents and family but plan on having more than one conversation. Don’t make your parents feel pressured. Make sure they know you’re there as support but it’s their decision to make.
- Point out the advantages of assisted living but remain neutral
There are many benefits of an assisted living community that go beyond the help they’ll receive with the daily tasks of living. Review all the advantages but strive to remain neutral in the conversations.
Adult children often immediately begin trying to talk their parents into the move. This can cause feelings of intimidation or anxiety. Many parents will resist or disengage and the conversation will be over.
- Match their needs to the benefits of assisted living
Help your parents discuss some of their challenges and match them up with the benefits a community offers.
For example, if they’re struggling to bathe safely, point out how a compassionate caregiver is trained to help in a way that preserves their dignity and independence.
Is cooking a challenge? Discuss the advantage of just enjoying a delicious meal – and not even having to help clean up afterward.
- Offer to be their partner
Approach the situation as a partnership. Ultimately, this is their decision to make. Your role is one who is providing information, support and love. Offer to help them explore the different options available. Together, discuss why one solution may work better than another. If their answer today is no, what action would they consider if their health or abilities change in the future.
- See an assisted living community in person
Your parents may not realize what today’s assisted living communities look like or know all that they provide. Ask if they’d like to see community life first-hand and arrange to take a tour together.
Make sure they’re able to see different residence choices, sample a meal, and if possible, take part in some of the activities and amenities available. Ask about opportunities to visit with other residents and get their point of view.
Life at Tapestry Assisted Living communities
We understand these are not always easy conversations to have and hope the above suggestions can help your family to have supportive and beneficial discussions.
If your parents could use a little help with the tasks of daily living, an assisted living community may be the perfect solution to not only lend a hand but contribute to their quality of life.
Our communities are designed to help our residents live fully and engaged. We think your parents will enjoy all that we have to offer:
- Private residences and support for an independent lifestyle
- The joy of maintenance-free living
- Amenities and social events to help meet and make new friends
- Staying in shape with our chef-inspired meals and fitness center
- Wide choice of activities on-site to challenge the body and mind – or just to have fun
We understand that choosing the right community is an important decision and are here to answer any questions that you may have. We also invite you to download our complimentary guide, Just the Facts: Your Guide to Assisted Living.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a personal tour, please contact one of our advisors at a community near you.
