The demand for a quality assisted living care continues to register a pattern of growth. According to the National Center For Assisted Living, the population of older persons aged 85+ is expected to triple, from 5.7 million in 2011 to over 14.1 million by 2040. An assisted living facility may provide the necessary care for aging adults, enabling them to maintain the best quality of life possible.
You may have noticed your parent having trouble dressing up or remembering to take their medicine. Maybe they are having difficulty getting around. You know you will sleep better knowing they are in a safe, clean, comfortable environment. It may be time to start talking about moving to an assisted living facility.
Here are five tips to help you initiate the conversation about luxury assisted living.
1. Understand the Different Types of Senior Housing Options
Before taking the time to sit down with your aging loved one, it is critical to understand the options available. To kickstart your research, here is a summary of each.
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- Assisted living homes: These are excellent options for aging adults that can no longer complete certain activities of daily living. The residents maintain a certain degree of freedom and independence.
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- Memory Care Facilities: Memory care is recommended for older parents struggling with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The memory care community establishes comprehensive care tailored to improve their cognitive function.
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- Skilled Nursing Homes: Skilled nursing is essential for older patients struggling with one or several chronic diseases. The health care professionals and caregivers ensure that the adults receive the care they need.
2. Look for a Convenient Window of Opportunity
Your parent may be reluctant about a move to the assisted living facility, fearing loss of freedom and independence. You may need to choose an appropriate time to initiate the conversation carefully. Situations such as slips and falls or concern about their physical safety are excellent opportunities to bring up the topic. Choosing an appropriate time can reduce the chances of rejection.
3. Involve Your Loved One in the Decision Making
Your parent may need to be part of the decision. Forcing a decision may only escalate the tension. Listen to their concerns and find ways to address them. Discuss the level of care and different assisted living facilities available in your area. You may also need to involve the rest of the family.
4. Make it a Process, Not a Momentary Decision
It would help if you made the decision-making a process, not an event. This allows your parent to process the weight of the decision. It also allows you to thoroughly scrutinize the assisted living facility that you will move them to. Easing the transition may require a series of conversations, not a single talk.
5. Plan a Visit to an Assisted Living Facility
You may plan tours to assisted living homes in Sierra Vista together with your aging loved one. Your parent seeing the environment they will live in may help soften their stance. It also helps in incorporating their input on the right facility for them.
Moving to an assisted living facility is a huge decision for most families. You may need to kickstart the conversation early enough. Reach out to us to schedule a tour of one of our four Via Elegante Assisted living facilities.
