Inevitably, if we are lucky enough to live long enough, we eventually all need some help doing the day-to-day activities that we were once able to do by ourselves. As much as we would like to be there for our loved ones when they reach this point in their lives, we can’t usually be there around the clock. That is one of the reasons why many find it beneficial to move their parents into an assisted living facility.
An assisted living facility is a living environment specifically designed to be comfortable and safe for people in their golden years. Not only are the apartments easy to navigate, but there are social benefits. Peers of the same age can offer companionship. However, not everyone is excited about the transition to assisted living. If you are facing some resistance or are unsure of what to do for your parents, here are tips for moving seniors from independence at home to an assisted living community.
Let Them Make Decisions
People tend to make the mistake of unintentionally talking down to or making decisions for their older relatives. You need to go out of your way to let them make decisions about their own lives. Visit a couple of different places within your budget and let your loved ones choose where they will live during the next chapter of their life.
Make the Living Space Comfortable
People spend years, even decades, getting their home just how they like it. It can be frustrating to be forced to leave everything to move to a new place. Do your best to make their new home as comfortable as the old one. Go through belongings together to decide what will come with and what will go into storage or to other family members. Once again, give your loved one as much autonomy as possible when choosing what they will bring with them.
Visit Often
The best way to make someone feel comfortable after they are moved into an assisted living community is to spend time with them. Why would they want to live there if you don’t want to be there yourself? Take time out of your week to visit if you are local. If you live a little further away, visit whenever you have the chance. Have a good attitude about the facility while you are there, and stay for at least a couple of hours.
Health and safety is the most important thing in the world. When their house is no longer ideally suited to your aging loved one’s needs, assisted living can be the best solution. Talk to your loved one about it to get their thoughts.
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