It’s something families dread thinking about, but it’s an inevitable part of life. As a person ages, they may start to lose their functional abilities, and signs such as forgetfulness and falls may indicate that they can no longer live alone safely. No one wants to relinquish their independence, and the conversation can be a challenging one. Here, we will offer some tips on bringing up assisted living for loved ones.

Ask the Right Questions

Instead of jumping in with both feet, start the elderly assisted living conversation by asking some leading questions. After all, your loved one may be more open to the idea if they’re the one to conclude moving to a new home is a good idea. Ask your senior family member questions such as:

  • Do you ever feel unsafe at home?
  • Do you feel lonely at times?
  • Is it too hard to live alone?
  • Can you handle daily tasks without help?

Try to work these questions into conversations naturally, and don’t ask them all at once. By listening to your loved one’s answers, you’ll find it easier to determine if they need elderly assisted living.

Get Help From Family and Friends

It may also be a good idea to enlist the help of those closest to the person. Consider bringing others into the conversation, including:

  • Cousins
  • Aunts
  • Uncles
  • Close friends and neighbors

Ask them to help you by making gentle suggestions and asking the right questions. The more people you have on your side, the more likely it is that the senior living conversation will go as planned.

Have a Sit-Down

If gentle probing doesn’t encourage the person to consider the idea of memory care or assisted living, a more direct approach may be necessary. Like many of life’s other important conversations, it’s best not to discuss it over the phone. Moving into an assisted living community in Simi Valley, CA, may mean giving up driving privileges and autonomy, and these talks are better held in person.

Don’t Make It Seem Like a Done Deal

Don’t approach the matter of assisted living as if it’s already been decided. Such a strategy may make the person feel as if they’ve been betrayed or they are fighting for control of their life. Instead of acting as if the arrangements have been finalized, try using phrasing that brings the senior into the discussion.

Be Empathetic

Seniors value their independence, and as such, they don’t want others’ pity and sympathy. It’s better to show empathy by listening to how the person feels and learning how to validate those feelings.

Discuss Different Options

Depending on a person’s abilities, cognitive state, and general health, they may need a different level of care. Not all communities that offer care for seniors provide the same services, and options may include:

  • Independent living. Some communities offer independent housing, which puts people close to others and the help they need. These options work well for those who can handle most tasks and do not require constant care.
  • Assisted living. These communities offer a higher level of care but still allow seniors to maintain some independence.

No matter your family member’s needs, we can meet them. Contact us today to schedule a tour of the community.

Listen to Their Concerns

If the person seems reluctant to enter long-term care, discuss their worries and concerns. Find out what they’ll miss about home and learn why they’re worried about moving into a senior community. By learning about their fears, you’ll be better equipped to alleviate them.

Schedule a Visit

Next, schedule a tour of a senior living community. Many seniors are reluctant to make the move because of a fear of the unknown, but taking a tour may put them at ease. During the tour, you’ll learn about the community’s events, which may include entertainment, field trips, games, and parties. There are so many things to see and do that most seniors will be able to find activities that suit their interests.

Lay Out the Facts

If all else fails and the person still isn’t convinced of the benefits of senior care, it may be necessary to cite a few statistics on the dangers of seniors living alone. Find evidence that’s relevant to the person and his or her situation, and don’t use it to scare them but, instead, to empower them to make informed decisions.

Choose the Right Kind of Care

Discussing the possibility of long-term care is crucial when an older adult cannot live alone and stay safe. Though change can be difficult, it’s up to family members and friends to help them make the best of the situation. We care about our community members and their relatives, and we invite them to come and see what we are all about. Call Vista of Simi Valley to schedule a community tour today.