Moving into assisted living is an emotional process, but it can be an essential one to help keep loved ones safe. When it’s necessary for a senior to move into assisted living, their children may want to approach the topic carefully and thoughtfully to help the parents through the transition. Some tips to help with this include the following.
Start Talking About it Early On
It’s a good idea for the children to start talking to their parents about the move as early as possible. This gives them the chance to find out what their parents are worried about or why they may not want to move out of their home long before transitioning to assisted living, so it is possible to help ease their parents’ minds or find solutions to potential problems. Start with smaller topics and move up to assisted living when they’re more comfortable with the idea.
Work Together to Find the Right Place to Live
The parents should have a say in where they want to live. Beyond making sure they feel included in the process, this can help them feel more comfortable with the transition to an assisted living community. When they are able to choose a home, they’ll be able to pick a place they like and where they want to live, so they may be happier about the decision to move.
Talk With Them About the Costs
One of the concerns many seniors will have is the cost of assisted living, as they will want to make sure they aren’t spending too much money. There are a variety of options to help pay for assisted living, so it is a good idea to look into each of them and how they can help. Talk with them about the costs and options so they’re included in the conversation and can feel more comfortable about the cost.
Work With Them on Downsizing
Downsizing is a lot of work, and it’s another part of the transition that’s going to be incredibly emotional. Parents may not want to get rid of a lot of their items or may want to make sure they have a say in who gets what items when they move. This is a part of the process that can take some time to complete, so it’s a good idea to start working on it as early as possible.
Be Available During and After the Move
It is important for the children to help during the move as well as make sure they’re available after the move, especially during the first few weeks, as the parents get settled into their new home. If the children live out of town, they may want to plan to be in town for at least a couple of weeks to help with the transition, and then work on visiting as often as possible after the move.
If your parent is starting to need more help around the house or isn’t safe staying on their own any longer, assisted living can be an excellent option. However, many seniors will feel they’re giving up their independence, so this can be an incredibly emotional process. Use the tips here to make it easier for them to handle the move and the new chapter in their life.
