As you get older, there is an increasing sense of comfort in familiar surroundings. The thought of moving out into a completely new environment can be scary – more so if you are moving into a place where you don’t know anybody.
Even though older people may know that they need help and are more likely to get the help they need in an assisted living facility, the idea can still be scary. The first instinct is to resist the suggestion and hope for a more acceptable solution.
If you are hesitant to broach the subject because you know mum and dad are going to resist the idea of moving into an assisted living facility, there are a few things you can do to make it easier for both you and for them.
Ways To Help Ease The Transition
Ask Them How You Can Help
The first thing you can do is to talk to mom and dad and tell them how it pains you to see them struggling to manage on their own. Gently suggest that they may want to consider an assisted living facility and highlight the benefits they would enjoy in such a community. Don’t rush them into making a decision. Give them time to get used to the idea and think about it. It’s very important to emphasize that you are not abandoning them. You are merely looking out for their interests and thinking about what’s best for them.
Overcome Fears By Scheduling A Tour
One way to help mom and dad get over that initial reluctance is by scheduling a tour where they can see for themselves what the facilities are like. They will also get to see the other elderly residents and the caretakers at the facility. Knowing that they will have plenty of company in their age group and loving caretakers who will tend to their every need will increase their comfort level and help them feel more acceptable towards the idea.
Plan Effectively
You’ve got mom and dad on board with your idea. Now it’s time to think about practical considerations such as downsizing, meeting up with friends and when and how to move. Keep them involved in every decision so they don’t feel like they are being forced into any situation.
Enlist The Help Of Family Members
This is a huge undertaking. Don’t try to do all of it by yourself. Getting some support from family members can be a huge relief. Reach out to family members and ask for help. You’ll need the help to organize everything and your parents could do with all the support and encouragement they can get at this time.
Personalize
Your parents can’t take all of their household items into the home. Help them decide what they can take to make their room feel like home without being too cluttered. Important things to take are keepsakes, photographs, and favorite books. Last but not least, help mom and dad personalize their home at the facility by setting up their favorite items in a way that makes it feel like home.
Helping mom and dad see the benefits of moving into assisted living and offering plenty of practical and emotional support is the best way to ease this difficult transition.
