Tips on How to Talk About Assisted Living
Seniors who have had first-hand experience of assisted living often make the choice for themselves, realizing the tremendous freedom and peace of mind it can bring. But when the decision feels difficult, as it often does, fraught with fear, guilt, and uncertainty, a few tips can ease the process. Acting on the awareness that a senior is in need of assisted living can avert crisis and emergency. Creating an atmosphere of love and concern for the good of everyone involved is an important foundation.
To make the discussion easier, here are a few tips from the experts:
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Plan ahead. Choose a time and space without distractions.
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Listen to the concerns with empathy, and repeat them to the loved one, so they know that they have been heard.
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Involve key family member(s) and decision maker(s) in the process.
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In the conversation with the senior, include the one(s) to whom the senior is most receptive to avoid overwhelm.
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Whenever possible, include trusted and respected professionals, such as physicians, clergy, home health care workers, and estate planners in the process.
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Become a knowledgeable resource with current and positive information to offer.
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If defensiveness or negativity overshadow, table it to another time. Regroup or get professional input.
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Keep the atmosphere calm and loving, empowering the senior to make the choice for a better lifestyle.
We can help with the conversation. Preconceptions about assisted living abound among our older generation. A visit can dispel the negative notions very quickly, and seniors who dread “those places” often find themselves in a renewal of optimism, when they discover the cheerful environment and the possibility of daily companionship and socialization. Fears diminish with the confidence and assurance that 24/7 care staff makes possible.