Assisted living is a term that can be confusing for older adults and their families as it is sometimes used interchangeably with other types of senior living options. For many seniors who need a little extra help with daily tasks like bathing and dressing, assisted living may be the best choice. But convincing seniors to go to assisted living may be a challenge. Learn how to talk to the seniors in your life about assisted living by sharing how it can help improve their quality of life.
When you choose Buckner Calder Woods, your parents will enjoy a wide array of amenities in a beautiful location. We offer a full continuum of care, a friendly staff, and high-quality dining options. Reach out to us today at 409.407.7636 if you need advice on how to talk to your senior parents about assisted living.
The Importance of Convincing Seniors to Go to Assisted Living
For many seniors, assisted living might be a great option. However, some older adults may have hesitations about moving into an assisted living facility. This can create some stress and tension, especially if they require daily assistance but do not have someone in their life that can provide it.
Loved ones may feel guilty that they cannot provide frequent help for their aging parents, but understandably, you may still need to work a full-time job, care for your own children or grandchildren, and look after your own health. It also may be challenging if you do not live close to your parents and must frequently commute to help them out. Instead of continuing to deal with feelings of guilt or frustration, learn how to discuss assisted living with parents so that you can help them have the best quality of life without burning yourself out.
How to Discuss Assisted Living with Parents
If you are unsure how to talk to the seniors in your life about going into an assisted living facility, here are some helpful suggestions:
- Consider the timing of your conversation. If you are trying to rush your parents into making a decision, they may be more likely to feel anxious or emotional. Choose a time to have the discussion when you feel calm and allow them time to think it over before pressing them to agree.
- Set clear goals for having your parents move into assisted living. The best way to help your parents see how assisted living will benefit them is by considering what they want to accomplish in their senior years. Help them see how assisted living can allow them to enjoy the activities they love most in the company of their peers.
- Show empathy. Letting your parents know that you understand their feelings about moving into senior living can help you have a more meaningful conversation with them. They will feel more understood and less like you are trying to force them into a different living situation.
- Gather useful information about assisted living. Share articles or statistics with your parents that show how assisted living can improve their quality of life. You may even be able to find resident testimonials for the assisted living facility you are considering.
Knowing how to talk to your senior parents about assisted living will help make the discussion more productive and less stressful. Try to bring up the subject before the need becomes urgent, so neither party feels rushed or pressured to make a quick decision.
Buckner Calder Woods: Assisted Living Your Parents Will Love
It may not be easy talking to your senior parents about going into assisted living because they might have a negative perception of what this senior living option is all about. When you show your senior parents Buckner Calder Woods’ assisted living facility, they are sure to get on board right away. Your parents will love our beautifully landscaped facility, a wide range of amenities, and our friendly staff and residents. Call us at 409.407.7636 to schedule a convenient online tour to show your parents how the Buckner lifestyle can help them get the most out of their senior years.