Starting The“Assisted Living Talk” With Your Elderly Loved One
Opening a discussion about senior living can be difficult. In fact, majority of adult children say that it is the toughest conversation they have ever had with their parents. On the other hand, with thoughtful planning, it can actually go quite smoothly.
At Cedargate Assisted Living Facility in Kanell Blvd. Poplar Bluff MO, here are some useful tips from us as to how you can start the conversation with your elderly loved ones.
- Do your research.
Before you even open the idea of assisted living to your elderly loved ones, make sure to do your research first. This would allow you to answer any and all questions your elderly loved ones might have. Here are some things that you can look into:
- Look for senior living communities in your area. If you are from Kanell Blvd. Poplar Bluff, you should definitely consider us at Cedargate
- Identify the needs of your parents and compare them with the kinds of services offered at senior living communities. As a notable facility, we at Cedargate Assisted Living Facility in Kanell Blvd. Poplar Bluff MO can provide you and your family with the following services:
- Assistance with various daily living activities
- Meal preparation and assistance
- Medication management and support program
- Transportation services
- Test the waters and identify if your elderly parents really need it.
Before you open the topic, test the waters first and gauge if they are willing to consider the help. Asking general questions can help you identify whether or not they would be receptive. You can ask things like:
- Are you still okay with driving? Or, do you get tired easily with the commute?
- Have you had your checkup lately?
- How is the yard? Do you still have the energy to maintain the garden?
If your elderly loved one starts to get evasive or defensive when you start asking these questions,that might be a red flag that they actually need the help. At Cedargate Assisted Living Facility in Kanell Blvd. Poplar Bluff MO, we also want to remind you to be tactful when asking these questions. You don’t want to push them too hard before organizing a formal conversation.
- Organize a family meeting.
At Cedargate, we want to remind you that you don’t have to do it alone. If you have siblings, ask them to help you out. Call a family meeting and make time to sit down with each other. Be gentle with them and make your point. Also, make sure you let your parents know that you are making this decision because you are worried for them and you just want them to be safe.
- Listen.
During your conversation, make sure to listen to their concerns as well. Answer any and all questions that they have – this is what you did your research for.Also, be prepared – while some seniors might be relieved about the topic, there are some that get angry. Be patient with them.
There are just some tips from us at Cedargate Assisted Living Facility in Kanell Blvd. Poplar Bluff MO. If you need any further assistance from us, please don’t hesitate to call us today at 573-785-0188. At Cedargate, we would be happy to take care of your elderly loved one.