How to Approach Your Senior Parents About Senior Living
The Right Senior Living Solution
Dec 22, 2022
Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties
Email US
Click to Email Us
Are you planning to open up a discussion regarding a lifestyle change with your parents?
Our elderly loved ones often become frustrated when the topic of moving to assisted living is brought up in a conversation. They are worried that they will lose part of their independence, will have less control over their daily tasks, and won’t have much time to spend with their grandkids.
As we become older, maintaining our freedom becomes a touchy subject, and not many of us are at ease with the thought of living in nursing homes or retirement facilities. These discussions are challenging, but they are also critical. If your elderly parents are not receptive to the idea of moving to a retirement home, how do you even open up to them about it?
WHEN SHOULD YOU MOVE YOUR PARENTS TO ASSISTED LIVING?
Data from the American Health Care Association (AHCA) indicates that most seniors who move into senior living communities and facilities are between the ages of 75 and 85. However, there is no specific age at which elders should move into a retirement home. The time when it’s appropriate to start those difficult conversations about residential care facilities is when you observe the following indicators.
Changes in personal hygiene
A sudden change in your parent’s level of personal hygiene might be somewhat alarming if they were previously very clean-minded. Because of health problems or aging-related changes, it could be difficult for individuals to take care of themselves.
Physical and cognitive health issues
You may have also noticed that your parent’s health began to deteriorate as they became prone to injuries, bruises, cuts, and more. Despite their best efforts to appear otherwise, they cannot move around with the same energy as they once could. You might want to consider moving your elderly parents to an elder care facility.
Accidents
When you need to work, sometimes you can’t be at home to look after your parents. If your elderly parents have been getting involved in minor accidents at home while you aren’t around, or you see them having cuts or bruises that they can’t explain how they got, it’s time to think about sending them to a nursing home where they can be supervised and better cared for.
Messy house
It is doubtful that your parents will suddenly cease caring about keeping their home tidy. But when they are starting to forget or are no longer able to undertake the responsibilities of housekeeping or daily tasks, it might be a sign of an illness such as memory loss or dementia, which could be one of the telling signs you need to move your parents to an elder care facility.
5 FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE TALKING TO YOUR PARENTS ABOUT ASSISTED LIVING:
You must actively look for possible age-related problems to enforce your stand to send your seniors to elder care. Have this difficult conversation with them as soon as possible—preferably before an accident or unexpected turn of events happens—to spare yourself from headaches.
Here are things to think about before you raise the topic to your aging parents.
Explore senior care facility options
Before bringing up the subject, learn about the various senior living environments and the levels of care they offer. Research your choices as senior housing services might vary from what your parents need. You could also consider respite care and in-home care as your other choices. Also, consider the cost of each type of senior living facility.
Introduce the subject gradually
It’s time to start the conversation once you are aware of all the options available to your loved one. Your main objective should be to encourage them to consider the reality of aging rather than persuade them that they must immediately move into a senior community. Ask them about their future intentions and explain how senior citizens’ homes can help ease some of their fears.
Identify the what ifs
You should consider the possibility of one of your elderly parents passing away, and learn beforehand what each of them wants for the other. It would be ideal for them to want to see their partner safe, taken care of, and financially secure. Also make sure to involve the whole family in this discussion.
Understand why your seniors want to stay at home
If your elderly family member refuses to move into a senior living facility, don’t react out of anger right away. Aging seniors are reluctant to move because they think that it would be their final home. Prepare yourself to talk with them about many wonderful programs offered in retirement communities, including outdoor activities, 24/7 medical attention, etc.
Keep in mind that their opinions on these things—not your decisions—are the deciding factor. You may be thinking of what is best for your aging parents, but make sure that they are involved in the discussion, especially since it’s them who will be potentially sent to a new living arrangement.
Keep an eye on the illness’s progress
Certain age-related illnesses can significantly negatively impact a senior’s capacity to stay at home. Find out what medical conditions your aging loved one has—whether they’re suffering from Parkinson’s disease, dementia, heart problems, memory loss, etc. Verify that facilities provide a care program suitable for your parent’s health needs. Making the decision also entails understanding your loved one’s needs for immediate care.
TIPS ON TALKING TO YOUR AGING PARENTS ABOUT ASSISTED LIVING
When you’ve decided that sending your elderly parents to senior care when the time comes is the proper course of action, You need to properly plan on how to ask for their support and understanding. Plant the seeds by having the initial conversation with them about the topic way ahead before a health scare or other issues arise that require your parents to move into an elder care facility.
After that first talk, you must keep in mind to bring up the topic in your future conversations occasionally. Remember that you’re merely letting your parents know that this is a possibility; do not pressure them into moving, nor attempt to sway their decision. Instead, gently encourage them to decide whether it is the best option for them.
Highlight its advantages
Promote the benefits of living in an extended care facility to your seniors. You can tell them that the staff will be on call round-the-clock to assist them with daily tasks, including reminding them to take their medication. You can’t go wrong by emphasizing how much safer your parents can be at elder care compared to living at home all alone.
Use recent accidents as examples
When your parents forget to pay their electricity bills, miss taking their vitamins or medications, or break their ankles while walking, the time might be right to talk to them about moving to senior care. Tell them that staying at an assisted living facility might provide them with better security and protection.
Get help from others
Perhaps your elderly parents tell you that you alone see the problem. Make sure to get the support of your siblings or a third party by asking your parent’s friends, neighbors, or medical professionals. It will be harder for them to dispute you if more people can vouch for what you are saying.
Go on a tour
Because they have no idea what retirement facilities are actually like, your parents can feel like you are sending them to jail. So arrange a visit to the nearest facility you believe would be the best fit for your elderly loved one. Once they find they can enjoy activities suited for them there, they will see that what you’re providing them isn’t a prison, but a sanctuary.
ULTIMATELY, MOVING YOUR PARENTS TO ASSISTED LIVING IS NOT YOUR CHOICE
If your parents are still of sound mind to disagree with you, all you can do is back them up and maintain an open mind. But still, watch out for any signs that will tell you that it’s time to move them to assisted living, but make them understand that it is for the sake of their health and wellbeing, first and foremost.
Residents can take advantage of the various services and amenities we provide. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need assistance guiding your loved ones through upcoming changes.
- To view the original version of this article visit therightseniorlivingsolution.com/blog/how-to-approach-your-senior-parents-about-senior-living
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
Other Articles You May Like
Understanding Your Digital Footprint
Digital what? Footprint? You may be thinking thats what you leave behind at the beach. While that may be correct, it is also what you leave behind every time you provide your email, set up a new online account, or allow your data to be tracked. Your digital footprint is the trail you leave behind with Location services on your phone. It is the data you leave behind when commenting on Aunt Sallys Facebook page, sharing your familys vacation pictures on Instagram, or traipsing around the internet to various sites looking for that cute Lladro figurine your mother wanted for Christmas. All of it tells something about you whether you realized it was happening or not.Most of the time, the sharing of your data what you do, how you do it, etc. may not be a big deal. Or is it? The reality is that your data supports big business every day. It is collected, bought and sold (mostly without your knowledge) by data brokers (i.e., Acxiom, Epsilon), credit and identity bureaus (i.e., Experian, Equifax, TransUnion), and Big Tech Companies (i.e., Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Apple) that share your data with their partners and ad networks.The danger to you is when there is a data breach at one of the many sites that has your data and your data is captured and posted on the dark web. This enables nefarious characters to better target you for scams and potentially steal your identity. Call Lily in the Details today 941-237-0157 and schedule Understanding Your Digital Footprint, Navigating the Online World Safely and Wisely for your community.
Serving America and our community
By Dr. David RiceSouthwest Florida is home to more than 100,000 veterans, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.They own homes, manage businesses and pay taxes here. They volunteer at local nonprofits and donate to local causes. They are the core of our community.Nearly every day, at least one veteran walks into Advocate Radiation Oncology for treatment. Cancer impacts people from every background, including veterans. Even the most hardened veterans struggle with a cancer diagnosis, which is understandable; no one is invincible and cancer generates a wave of emotions shock, anxiety, frustration, fear and stress.Over the years, veterans in Charlotte and Sarasota counties have found an ally inside the treatment room Dr. Brian Lawenda. A board-certified, Harvard-trained physician who completed medical school at Temple University, Lawenda has all the credentials to help a patient feel confident that they're in good hands, medically speaking. Then they find out something else about their physician. He is a veteran, too, having served this country 13 years with the U.S. Navy and attaining the rank of commander."When I enlisted, I took an oath to serve this country and uphold the U.S. Constitution," Lawenda said. "When I became a doctor, I pledged to dedicate my practice to patients and the community I serve, and it's especially gratifying when those patients are fellow veterans."The best doctors don't just treat symptoms; they connect with patients, usually through shared experiences they're from the same state, cheer for the same sports team or attended the same university. Lawenda's military experience helps create an instant doctor-patient bond that continues during treatment and beyond. In fact, Lawenda has become the region's go-to radiation oncologist for veterans, not just Navy veterans, but those who have admirably served across all six branches of the military."When he told me he served in the Navy, it gave me comfort," said Ret. Command Master Chief Scott Fusco, a North Port resident who recently completed prostate cancer treatments at Advocate. "I had absolute trust in him from that point on."Lawenda wasn't the only veteran on Fusco's care team, either. His urologist also served in the Navy and referred Fusco to Dr. Lawenda for treatment."We served at different times and places, but we're all part of the same team," Fusco said. "They've been there, done that, just like me. There is instant respect, instant trust."Lawenda, who sees patients at Advocate's cancer treatment centers in Port Charlotte and Venice, specializes in the treatment of prostate, lung, breast, head and neck, rectal, liver, bone, cervical and other types of cancers. Although Lawenda doesn't technically specialize in the treatment of veterans, he is especially proud to support patients like Fusco on their cancer journey."A veteran may retire or end their military service, but he or she will never stop serving this country and their community," Lawenda said. "Being able to help local veterans beat cancer is extremely gratifying and certainly rewarding. The military is a brotherhood and a sisterhood, and I'll continue fighting for my brothers and sisters."About the AuthorDr. David Rice is a board-certified radiation oncologist who sees patients through Advocate Radiation Oncologys cancer treatment centers in Port Charlotte and Venice. Visit AdvocateRO.com for more information.
Living Well with Diabetes: How Exercise & Therapy Can Help
Managing diabetes is more than watching your blood sugar. Its about staying active, maintaining your strength, and continuing to enjoy the activities you love.Diabetes affects millions of older adults and can have a significant impact on overall health, mobility, and independence. As we age, managing diabetes becomes especially important because it can increase the risk of falls, nerve damage, muscle weakness, and other health complications.The good news? With the right support, regular physical activity, and a personalized treatment plan, older adults living with diabetes can take meaningful steps toward better health and a more active lifestyle.Why Is Exercise So Important for Diabetes?When you have diabetes, your body has difficulty regulating blood sugar levels. Physical activity helps your muscles use glucose for energy, which can improve blood sugar control.Regular exercise can also help:Improve muscle strength: Maintain the strength needed for walking, climbing stairs, and completing everyday activities.Improve blood sugar management: Help your body use insulin more effectively.Support heart health: Improve circulation and help manage blood pressure.Improve balance: Reduce the risk of falls and injuries.Maintain independence: Make daily activities such as dressing, bathing, cooking, and shopping easier.Increase energy and confidence: Help you feel stronger and more comfortable staying active.Even small amounts of movement throughout the day can make a difference!How Can Physical and Occupational Therapy Help?For many older adults, beginning an exercise program can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with joint pain, weakness, balance problems, or other medical conditions.Thats where FOX Rehabilitation can help.FOX provides personalized physical and occupational therapy designed to help older adults safely improve their mobility, strength, and ability to perform everyday activities.A physical therapist can evaluate your walking, balance, endurance, and muscle strength to develop an exercise program that meets your individual needs.An occupational therapist can help you find safer, easier ways to perform everyday tasks while improving your ability to remain independent at home.Together, these professionals can help address the physical challenges associated with diabetes, including decreased sensation in the feet, muscle weakness, and difficulty with balance.The Benefits Go Beyond Blood SugarResearch has shown that structured exercise programs can help people with Type 2 diabetes improve their blood sugar control, preserve muscle mass, and increase overall strength.Regular physical activity may also improve blood pressure and reduce the risk of certain diabetes-related complications.Most importantly, staying active can help older adults maintain the freedom to do what matters most whether thats spending time with grandchildren, enjoying a walk with friends, gardening, or simply moving safely around their homes.Therapy That Comes to You!One of the greatest benefits of FOX Rehabilitation is that therapy can take place right in the comfort of your own home.FOX provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy through Medicare Part B for eligible individuals.You do not have to be homebound or recently hospitalized to receive services.This means older adults who may benefit from skilled therapy can receive personalized care in their familiar surroundings without having to travel to an outpatient clinic.Take the First Step Toward Better HealthLiving with diabetes doesnt mean giving up the activities you enjoy. With proper management, regular movement, and professional guidance, you can continue building strength, improving mobility, and maintaining your independence.Before beginning a new exercise routine, speak with your healthcare provider, particularly if you have diabetes-related complications or take medications that can cause low blood sugar.Remember: Its never too late to get stronger, move better, and take control of your health!