How to Start Talking About Assisted Living Options with a Loved One
Perhaps you have been noticing changes in your parent that could signal it’s time for assisted living care. On the other hand, maybe you believe your loved one would benefit from an active community setting. Whatever your reasons are, you are likely wondering how to bring up this conversation for the first time.
Talking about assisted living options with a parent or loved one can trigger a range of emotions. When you first bring up the subject, your parent may be hesitant or even fearful about moving into an assisted living community, leading to feelings of tension. Fortunately, how you approach the conversation can make a significant difference.
At Uplands Village, we understand how important this initial conversation is for setting the tone for the rest of your family’s assisted living journey. This is why our team in Pleasant Hill, Tennessee, is sharing tips to help you approach this topic in a positive and supportive way.
Understand Your Assisted Living Options
Before you talk about your parent or loved one moving into an assisted living community, you need to have all the facts. Come to the conversation prepared so you can reassure your loved one if and when they have questions.
Unfortunately, there are still many myths and misconceptions about life in an assisted living community, so your loved one may have this image in their mind. However, by having done your research beforehand and coming to the conversation prepared, you will be able to reassure them and let them know that today’s assisted living communities offer compassionate care that encourages independence and can enable them to lead a more active, fulfilling lifestyle.
In addition to gaining a better understanding of assisted living communities, doing your research ahead of time will give you a better idea of what options are available to you and your family when the time does come to make the move. This gives you more choices and helps you feel more confident when approaching your loved one.
Approach the Subject in a Positive Way
If your parent or loved one is already on the fence or hesitant about the idea of transitioning into an assisted living community, talking about any potential downsides of the move and lifestyle changes may only make the situation worse. Instead, focus on the positives when you discuss assisted living options.
Paint a positive picture of what their new lifestyle will be like in an assisted living community. Discuss the many potential benefits, such as:
- Compassionate care and assistance with the activities of daily living
- Socialization and engagement opportunities
- Meaningful life enrichment activities
- No more home maintenance, cleaning, or upkeep
- Dining options
Ensure Your Loved One Feels Heard
No one wants to feel like they have no say in what happens in their life. When you bring up the topic of assisted living with your parent or loved one, listen to what they have to say instead of simply telling them they have to move.
Make your loved one feel like their feelings are validated, and take note of what they would like in an assisted living community. Listen to their concerns, needs, and preferences and work together to find a community that accommodates them.
We encourage you to read our blog, 4 Things to Consider When Searching for a Senior Living Community, to learn more.
Assisted Living Options in Pleasant Hill, Tennessee
At Uplands Village, we offer three levels of assisted living care, allowing us to provide customized care that helps residents maintain their independence while receiving the assistance and support they need.
Our caregivers receive extensive training in the Eden Alternative® philosophy of resident-directed care. This means residents have the power to make their own decisions, such as what to eat and which activities to participate in or decline.
Our assisted living care includes:
- Nurse available 24/7
- Housekeeping services
- Personal laundry service
- Emergency call buttons
- Optional nightly safety checks
- Three nutritious meals daily, prepared by our chef and approved by a registered dietician
Transitioning into an assisted living community is a big decision and having this initial conversation with your loved one is the first step. Our team at Uplands Village is here to help guide you and your family through every step of your assisted living journey.
To learn more about our assisted living options, we invite you to visit our website or contact a member of our team.