People in New York often find it hard to talk to their elderly parents about assisted living. Older adults frequently view the move to a senior living community as the end of their independence. For that reason, many seniors avoid discussing the topic out of fear and see it as a way to force them from their homes.
The reality is that although moving can be a difficult adjustment, assisted living can help extend a senior’s social life and independence. If you’re in this challenging situation, you might appreciate a few suggestions on discussing assisted living with your parent.
Research your options beforehand
Before discussing assisted living with a parent, take time to research which options are available. Pay attention to the level of care the facility offers, and make sure it’s the ideal fit for your loved one. Look for services such as:
- Meal planning
- Laundry
- Cleaning
- Medicine administration
- Basic healthcare
- Transportation
Tour several facilities with your parent
Many seniors in need of assisted living services face a dread of the unknown. The best way to eliminate fear or worry is to take your parent on a tour of several facilities. If your parent is able to evaluate each community with you, it might make it easier for them to be open to the idea.
Take an inventory of financial requirements
One of the most important aspects of successful care planning is taking an honest inventory of your finances. Your parent might feel concerned that moving into an assisted living facility will quickly drain his or her finances. That’s why it’s important to gain a complete understanding of the costs of the services that are available in the facility before making any major decisions.
Talking to your parent about assisted living can be difficult. Every assisted living facility is different, so it’s important to match your parent’s needs to the environment and activities of the potential choice.
