We all know it’s not an easy subject to bring up. But when you start noticing signs that your parents are having a hard time living on their own, you are going to have to find a way to broach the subject of moving to assisted living.
These Aren’t Your Grandparents’ Nursing Homes
There was a time when the idea of sending your parents to a nursing home felt basically like handing them a death sentence. Unfortunately, there still are nursing homes that provide the minimum of care leaving your loved one in an uncaring lonely place.
But if you do your homework, you will see that there are plenty of affordable assisted living facilities with professional staff who genuinely care about your loved ones. Ask your parents what their biggest fears about assisted living are. Knowing what they don’t want will help you find the facility that they may even get excited about living in.
You Can Make the Transition Easier
One way you can help both you and your parents make the transition easier is to prepare early. Moving to assisted living shouldn’t be a surprise trip. You shouldn’t wait to spring it on them because you were too afraid to have the talk. That is the worst thing you can do.
Instead:
- Schedule a weekend stay for them months before they actually move in so that you both have an idea of what it will be like when they move.
- Make your parents’ new space feel like home by decorating it with their favorite family photos and decorations.
- Help your parents begin assimilating with the other residents before they move in by attending some of the resident events and social activities with them.
At least a couple of weeks before the move, make out a schedule with your parents to figure out which days of the week you will be coming to see them or picking them up and stick to it.
The transition is easier if your parents know that you aren’t just going to dump them off and forget about them but that they will still have an active and fulfilling life in assisted living. For all aging parents, that is the number one fear of moving to assisted living.
Be There for Them
Now that it is done, don’t let life get in the way. Be there for them even more than before they were at the home. Too much isolation and loneliness has a deteriorating effect on the elderly. Call them and visit them at least two times every week. And don’t just visit, take them out and about.
If you need to run some errands, take your parents with you. Schedule regular breakfast, lunch, and dinner dates to take your loved one out of the assisted living facility for a few hours to keep them feeling loved.
Find the Right Assisted Living Facility
The easiest transition is moving to assisted living that is right for you and your parents. When you have the type of facility that takes care of all their needs and provides them with plenty of opportunities to socialize while giving them privacy and independence, they are going to be happy about this transition.
Unlimited Care Cottages is the right assisted living facility for aging parents who need help but still want to maintain their independence. Schedule a tour of our assisted living cottages. Simply fill out our online contact form now or give us a call.
