Holiday gatherings offer us the opportunity to catch up and connect with family members after an extended period of time, especially when it comes to seeing our parents or loved ones.
As your loved one prepares to host a meal, you might notice small changes, such as unopened mail piling up, expired food in the refrigerator, or difficulty remembering how to make certain dishes. These subtle signs can indicate that your parent or loved one may benefit from the extra support that assisted living provides.
The Oaks at Denville understands that discussing senior living can be a challenging topic. Know that initiating and having these conversations, while difficult, is an act of love. Here we’ll discuss how to navigate these conversations, recognize the signs, and embrace the benefits that a senior living community has to offer.
Recognizing the Signs it Might Be Time for Assisted Living
As mentioned above, the holidays are a time to see firsthand how your parent or loved one is really doing. They give you an opportunity to uncover signs you might have missed during your weekly phone or video calls with them. Below are some signs it might be time for assisted living:
- Physical Indicators: Challenges with medication management, difficulty with mobility, and increased risk of falls
- Cognitive Considerations: Difficulty managing finances or household tasks, and memory issues
- Emotional and Social Factors: Increased stress on family caregivers, isolation, and reluctance to leave home
- Safety Concerns: Driving concerns, forgetting about household appliances, like leaving the stove or oven on, and difficulty with home maintenance tasks
While these signs may indicate it’s time for assisted living, this doesn’t mean your parent or loved one has to change their life drastically. Discussing all that a senior living community has to offer and what a senior living lifestyle may look like can help spark their enthusiasm for moving and taking this next step.
Preparing for the Conversation
Before having difficult conversations with family members, take time to research and prepare. Here are some helpful tips to guide your conversation about senior living:
Tip #1: Pay Attention to Timing
Choose a calm moment away from the holiday chaos. This could be as soon as the next day, or maybe it’s in January when all the holidays have passed. Giving everyone time to decompress ensures the conversation is thoughtful, focused, and free from added stress.
Tip #2: Do Your Research
Research and consider senior living communities that would be suitable for your parent or loved one. Take the time to research the benefits of living in a senior community, and consider sharing them with your loved one.
Tip #3: Involve Key Family Members
Decide who should participate in the initial conversation. If you have siblings, consider discussing who will lead the conversation. Make sure to position it as the family working together for the loved one’s overall well-being.
Tip #4: Prepare Emotionally
Acknowledge that this is challenging, and having difficult conversations with family is never easy. Allow yourself to feel the emotions that come with this change.
Keep in mind that this conversation may not happen all at once. It may take several discussions with family to determine what’s best for your parent or loved one and what they need at this moment.
The Benefits of Living in a Senior Community
Moving to a senior living community offers residents a number of benefits. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals combats isolation, as neighbors become lifelong friends.
With professional care and accessible facilities, older adults receive a renewed sense of independence through constant safety and support. Emergency response systems give older adults and adult children peace of mind that their loved one will be cared for no matter the circumstance. Maintenance-free living allows residents to relax and focus on what matters most to them. They no longer need to worry about home repairs, yard work, or the stress of household management.
A senior living lifestyle enables residents to engage with the community through cultural events, hobby groups, travel opportunities, and meaningful community involvement.
Easing the Transition
Allow your parent or loved one to warm up to the idea of this transition. Begin by visiting a senior living community to give them a feel for what this lifestyle change would entail.
Let your parent or loved one lead the charge on this move. Encourage them to ask questions and explore options if they are interested. By letting them feel like they have a role in this process, they will feel more connected to the transition.
In addition, validate and address emotional concerns. This is a significant change; your loved one will likely experience feelings of loss.. However, by highlighting the new possibilities that come with a senior living lifestyle, they will be more likely to look forward to moving to a senior living community. Take the time to emphasize the newfound freedoms and community benefits that come with this change.
Additionally, it may be helpful to create a transition plan and a move-in checklist. This will help your loved one look forward to personalizing their new space with familiar items. Make sure you emphasize to your loved ones the importance of continued family involvement. Family will remain central to their lives despite this new format.
Taking the Next Step
The holidays are a reminder of what matters most: family. While moving to a senior living community should not be discussed during a holiday celebration, it’s helpful to talk through this possibility while the family is together.
The Oaks at Denville is here to help you and your family navigate these conversations and next steps. As a Life Plan community, we help our residents maintain independence while giving them the exceptional health and senior services they need should circumstances change. We are committed to supporting the health and wellness of all residents. For more information about assisted living, or help with talking to a parent or loved one, contact us to start the conversation or schedule a tour.
