You are probably wondering how to talk to elderly parents about assisted living, or maybe you’re trying to avoid it altogether. It is hard to find a good footing for this kind of conversation. However, if you approach your parents in the right way, having this kind of talk might be easier than you think. Before we get started and talk about how to talk with them, let’s talk about what is necessary in their life? You should take into account their medical conditions and other things that might affect the decisions you are going to make. This is why it’s always better to make choices when parents are present.
No matter how hard it can be to accept, we can’t always be there for our elderly parents.
With our own children to care for, balancing school runs and medication reminders for your parents can become difficult – both physically and mentally. Nobody wants to feel like they can’t help their parents, nor do they want their parents to feel like a burden.
That’s where assisted living comes in. And if you think you would all benefit from the extra help, it might be time to start the conversation.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a cost-effective and convenient alternative to growing old in isolation. It offers a broad range of support, both medical and non-medical, all in one place. It helps seniors age gracefully while receiving the care they need. Here are a few critical facts about assisted living that will change the way you think about it
Starting the Conversation
Assisted living can be a difficult conversation for everyone involved. The idea of moving into assisted accommodation can make seniors feel like they’re losing their independence, while children can feel like they’ve failed.
It can also be difficult to fight through the stubbornness – from both sides. Seniors might have already recognized that they are struggling with daily activities in a way they didn’t used to but have brushed the issue under the carpet. Similarly, adult children may feel they can handle the responsibility and refuse to discuss the topic with their spouse.
Unfortunately, you need to rip the band-aid off and get started. Otherwise, you may be waiting until a medical crisis to approach the topic. This is already way too late. You want to be able to discuss assisted living while both parties are happy and healthy and while there’s enough time to consider all the options before making any big decisions.
Group Decisions
Even if you think you know what your parents need, it doesn’t mean they want the same things. It’s important to keep the conversation open and honest, with no decisions being made without both parties agreeing. After all, you’re not the one who has to move and live somewhere new.
By opening the conversation early, you have the chance to explore all the options and communities available so that your parents can have the final decision on which they like the most. According to Brightview Senior Living, you might find some of the communities you’re interested in have a waiting list, so it’s important to start researching your options as soon as you think you might be ready.
Discuss Finances
Another topic that none of us like, is money. And assisted living doesn’t come cheap. While looking at the communities available in your area, you also need to consider what type of place your parent can afford.
According to a Genworth survey, the average cost per month is $4,051 a month for a one-bed, private apartment. Although this is the average, you should also contact the local communities to see their prices.
Once you’ve got a better idea of prices, it’s time to approach the subject with your parents. How will they pay for the new place? It’s natural that they may become tightlipped about their finances, but you must understand more. It would be terrible to leave them financially unstable when trying to help.
Ask simple questions about their pension, care insurance, and any veterans’ benefit they might have access to. You may also have to discuss selling their current house to fit the costs.
Starting the conversation early can help ease any anxiety and tensions that typically surround these topics. The important thing is to take it at a pace that you are all comfortable with and not talk it through as if the decision has already been made.
What about Mobility devices?
Most seniors will need mobility aids and scooters are fantastic for that purpose. Assisted living communities can absolutely accommodate most mobility devices. This wouldn’t be the case if your elderly parents decided to live at home since the entire property would have to changed to accommodate the mobility needs.
