Thanks to advancements in medicine and healthier lifestyles, people are living longer. As the population ages, the need for elderly support also increases. Fortunately, there are senior care solutions like assisted living communities, where older adults live in a room or apartment within a residential setting. It’s best suited for seniors who want to remain independent but need extra support with some day-to-day tasks and the monitoring of their medication. Some facilities also welcome people with memory difficulties or diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
As nice as this sounds, a large number of people have a negative view of assisted living. Many think of a care facility as a place for vulnerable seniors who cannot fend for themselves, while others can’t bear the thought of being away from family or sitting around doing nothing. Another misconception is that residents will be forced to follow a one-size-fits-all routine. These myths cannot be further from the truth, as assisted living aims to support seniors in living independently and safely. There are optional activities for them to socialize or start a new hobby and family day events to spend time with their loved ones – not to mention the different programs available to suit various budgets and lifestyles.
The Three Best Ways To Get Seniors To Embrace Assisted Living
It’s human nature to want to hold on to something that feels familiar and safe. Many seniors insist on staying in their family homes when they’re no longer able to look after themselves, but there are plenty of ways to convince them if they refuse to accept help.
Have a Compassionate Conversation
Almost anything can be solved with a good conversation. So, sit down with your relative and engage them in a discussion about the weather or what to eat for dinner. Then, steer the conversation towards assisted living by mentioning, for example, something that was on the news. Ask your relative what they think about it to know their overall view of care facilities. Watch out for signs of distress as this is a sensitive subject to discuss for some older adults. The thought of leaving their nest may be stressful and upsetting, so make sure they feel you’re there for them.
Offer Information
Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of time and explaining. Your loved one may not fully understand how an assisted living community works and would appreciate more information. Explain the different types of long-term care available, and show them brochures and videos. But most importantly, ask your relative what they want to know and which kind of services would suit them.
Visit Care Facilities
If there’s still a bit more convincing to do, then it might be time to let the care facility do the talking. You know what they say: to see is to believe. Your relative may just need to visit the place and see what it’s like to believe that a residential care facility is worth giving a shot. It’s a good idea to visit a few places for comparison. Finally, consider trial stay options that let seniors move in for a few months before committing.
There are plenty of ways to care for a relative from a distance, and having them move into assisted living facilities is just one. If you wish to offer independence to your loved ones while they settle into their new home, a medical alert system like Medical Guardian, MobileHelp, or LifeStation is a good extra safety net. Seniors can wear portable devices that can be used to call for help in case of an emergency. When all is said and done, keep in mind that it’s important for your relative to know and feel that everything you do comes from a place of love and concern. Growing old is a gift, and there’s so much to do and discover at every stage of life.
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