You’ve been monitoring the signs, and you’ve noticed your aging parents are losing weight, showing forgetfulness, and having a hard time keeping up their hygiene. They might have had a fall which sparked some concern about their safety at home. While the evidence may be clear to you that it’s time to consider senior living in the area, your parents may not be on the same page; they may believe they do not need senior living services.
Truthfully, most seniors are hesitant about making this very significant life change. To make it easier for you and your loved ones, here are some helpful ways on how to move parents to assisted living and reduce their resistance.
Focus On Specific Senior Living in Your Area
Speaking in the abstract about senior living services can make it seem a lot more foreboding than talking about specific senior living in your area and the services they provide. Take some time to collect information and research possible nearby senior living communities so the next time you chat with Mom and Dad about senior assisted living homes, you’ll have real options to discuss. Make it specific, and be ready to show pictures and visit the website to ask questions together.
Let Them Help Find Their Senior Living Services
Conversations about moving to senior assisted living homes aren’t easy for anyone. Your aging parents naturally still want their independence, and it’s certainly understandable if they put up some resistance.
Make sure to include them as an active part of the decision-making process. This isn’t about dictating to them how things will go but exploring senior living services and finding the best solution together. Talk about their questions and hear out their concerns. Try drawing out the underlying cause of their resistance. Ask what they will miss about home, and work together on finding ways to address that. Coming at the problem from the same side of the table communicates to your parents that you truly want what’s best for them.
Understand Their Position and Feelings
With sensitive conversations, our communication style matters. If your parents are having a difficult time processing their situation, acknowledge the difficulty and sadness. How to move parents to assisted living comes from a place of love and concern, not fear or control, so make sure they know this. Focus on the benefits that the senior living in your area can provide, like socializing, a maintenance-free lifestyle that gives them more independence, and tasty prepared meals.
Finally, if you’re having a hard time making headway, feel free to leave the topic for a bit. As long as their safety isn’t a pressing concern, allowing your parents time to process could be good for everyone.
Involve Other Loved Ones in the Conversation
Who brings the message matters just as much as how it’s said, and you might need some backup to navigate these talks. If you have siblings, take time to get together and come to agreements among yourselves about senior living service plans for Mom and Dad, then talk to them separately and then together. Consider inviting over a community leader, such as a pastor, or a trusted family friend. You might also involve your parents’ physician to speak on safety and medical issues.
Tour the Senior Assisted Living Homes
Mom and Dad might have a picture of Assisted Living in their heads that’s quite different from reality. Schedule a few tours around town and have some fun looking at senior living in your area! Seeing a warm, welcoming community with a positive environment and fun activities may open them up to the idea. It can help you to try out communities too, so you can make sure that you’re comfortable and confident with the place they will call home.
We Make Moves an Exciting Experience
If you’re considering senior living services, take a look at our living options. Riley Crossing is a family-focused senior living community in Chanhassen, Minnesota near Minneapolis. Our care services and community activities allow your parents to maintain their independence while ensuring a safe and healthy lifestyle. For more resources to help you navigate tough conversations about senior living, read our latest news.
