How to Approach Senior Assisted Living Options With Your Loved One’s:

Elderly Assisted Living Placement Discussion Tips

Tips On Discussing Age, Health Decline, Mobility, and Lifestyle Changes Related To Transitioning to Senior Continuing Care, Assisted Living, Independent Living, or Memory Care Communities.

Drastic Change Indicators

When major indicators of change in the health and safety of an older adult are obvious, such as baggy clothing due to extreme weight loss, dirty clothing and un-kept appearance, a messy house, missed medications, etc. then it is time to at least planning to have the discussion about either bringing in extra assistance or moving into a senior assisted living community.

As this is not an easy topic for contemplation or discussion, it is advisable to layout a plan as to how, when, and where to approach and discuss the extra assistance with your elderly loved one.

Tips On How to Approach Senior Care, Assisted Living, Independent Living, and Memory Care Transition Processes

1. After realization that your loved one needs help, it is time to identify the issues or tasks that they need assistance with, and what the solution options could potentially be for each issue. Some issues may be housekeeping, meal preparation, medicine regimen, transportation, etc.
   The ultimate goal is to have the serious concerns laid out with open ended options to be discussed with your elderly loved one. No one likes being told what to do, so approaching or guiding the conversation outcomes to the predetermined options, or merely as suggestions to think about are the best routes to take when discussing senior care on any level. Please keep in mind- a person’s freedom, dignity, and overall mental health have to be taken into consideration with these discussions…
2. Preparing for the discussion should also include “obvious” examples of what other family members  have noticed and what their concerns are in terms of the health and overall well being of their elderly loved one(s). The goal here is to be as realistic and direct as possible without talking down to, belittling, being judgmental, or having a condescending tone. Sometimes it also helps to straight out ask a loved one if they experiencing any drastic changes or if they need help with anything. As everyone is different, sometimes simply asking and suggesting options can take care of these hard conversations quickly. If not, then using examples in a subtle way to convey your concerns is the next option.
   An example could be- “Hey Dad, I do not mean to be rude or intrusive, but, it seems that your clothes are looking a bit loose these days, have you been eating 3+ meals a day? Would you like for us to figure out some options for meal planning? We are growing a little concerned is all and simply want to make sure you are eating properly Dad, we care for you and want you to be happy, healthy, and comfortable is all…”
3. Planning on where you and your family will have at least the first conversation about senior care options is also paramount.  You will want your loved one9s) to be as comfortable as possible when beginning to have this discussion. Making sure that your loved one(s) are completely comfortable before, during, and after the discussion will help to ensure a positive outcome for everyone. As you begin the senior care and/or assisted living options, make sure to keep in mind your approach, choice of words, and tone of voice. This process needs to be an open-ended and relaxed discussion, not an interrogation. It is critical to reaffirm that you and your family members only goal is their health, safety, and overall livelihood.
4. As the entire senior care and/or assisted living topic is quite stressful as a big life decision, be prepared to have multiple discussions about the options, processes, possible outcomes, and positive changes that would contribute to an overall healthier and happier lifestyle. In most cases, your elderly loved one will not want to admit there are any issues, especially if they are living with memory related health issues. This is why you need to be prepared to have this discussion multiple times, along with reinforcing follow up conversations to get the family’s concerns and point across to the elderly loved one(s).

Senior Assisted Living Placement Consulting Services

Our elderly assisted living and memory care placement consultants specialize in these types of situations and can most certainly help you and your family. If you are in need of ideas and suggestions on techniques and ways to work on a plan together, to handle possible resistance or to connect you with resources, Give Assisted Living Advisers a call today for more information- 1-347-826-1689

About Assisted Living Advisers Founder, Eric Leopold

Eric Leopold, the owner and founder of Assisted Living Advisers is recognized as a compassionate and practical advocate who works tirelessly on behalf of his clients to efficiently navigate senior living options in the tri-state area. Having personally worked with hundreds of families during the past 10 years, he understands the emotional and practical decisions that each family struggles with when deciding on an assisted living community in NYC for a loved one.