Getting a parent to move to an assisted living facility is generally not an easy task. Naturally, people want to stay in their homes as long as they can, so your mother or father is not likely going to be happy with the idea of going to what they like perceive as an “old folk’s home.” However, there are a few tips to keep in mind that may make the idea of living in a senior care facility a little less daunting for your mom or dad.
Convincing your parent to move to assisted living may be a matter of talking to close friends and other family members who have also admitted their parents to a senior care facility. For instance, if another family member is currently residing in an assisted living facility, casually mention this to your mother or father and have that family member discuss the benefits that come with this living arrangement. After all, if someone else they know is enjoying themselves, then your mom or dad may be more open to the possibility of living there, too.
It may also be a smart idea to take a tour of a local assisted living facility so that your mother or father will see that the neighborhood isn’t a nursing home. The staff at the facilities can demonstrate that they will still have a lot of independence, but will also have someone there when they need them most. Most facilities offer a life filled with social events and spacious living conditions. If you take your loved one to visit the facility in person, this could lessen the anxiety that he or she may feel about moving from home and living in a new environment.
Persuading a parent to move to an assisted living facility could also be the result of a recent accident or other safety issue. For instance, if your mom had fallen in the bathtub, she could have been stranded if you had not been there to help. You can use this unfortunate incident to support your case that she should move. You don’t want to sound forceful, but the overall health and well being of your mom or dad are more urgent than them living unsafe alone or in your home unsupervised.
Finally, if you’re not entirely successful at convincing your loved one to move to an assisted living facility, try to reach a compromise. For instance, install a medical alert system in your parents’ home and purchase medical alert devices, such as necklaces and bracelets for your mom or dad. This will help alert paramedics when necessary. You can also offer to pay for home adjustments like extra railings on the staircase or a handicap-accessible bathtub until he or she is ready for assisted living.
Any of these tips for persuading a parent to move to an assisted living facility could persuade them that it is time to relocate for their well being. The aging process creeps up on some of us quickly, and before we know it, our bodies and our minds begin to let us down. In these cases, it is best to search for assisted living.
Applewood Our House provides an assisted living facility with a highly trained professional staff in each of our Colorado facilities. We provide a solution that fully integrates seniors with their family members. That way you always know what kind of activities and care that we provide and can keep track of your loved one’s progress. In addition, we also provide counseling in regards to when it might be an opportune time to move a family member to an assisted living facility.
