You’ve noticed that Mom or Dad is not thriving at home.  They don’t seem to be the same person that you knew.  They might be losing weight, or not changing their clothing regularly. You check their medications and notice that there are more pills than there should be in the bottles.  What can you do?

Tips:

  1. Start by casually mentioning a few of your concerns, ask how they feel they are doing. Don’t make this an extensive or intense conversation, keep it light and short.  You are just planting seeds.  If they happen to mention that they have a concern such as not being able to keep up with the house or feel uneasy about being alone, use that as an opportunity to discuss possible alternatives such as assisted living.
  2. Know your facts about assisted living, many seniors often confusion assisted living with nursing home, so be sure to explain that assisted living allows residents the freedom to come and go as they please, live in a suite where they can have their treasured possessions around them. They maintain their independence, while having the security of knowing that there is always someone available should they need anything.
  3. Be sure to make them part of the decision process. Remember they are adults and need to be treated with respect and you must keep their dignity in mind.  Trying to force a decision, or making arrangements behind their back will not work out well. Be sure to take them to tour some communities in your area.
  4. Seniors often worry that if they move into an assisted living their family won’t visit, or that they won’t be part of daily life of the family, that they will not get to see their children or grandchildren as often. Reassure them that if they decide to move forward with transitioning to an Assisted Living, that it will not impact your family visits and the family relationships they treasure. In fact they might even improve because the stress of worrying will be gone.