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Knowing when to make the transition to assisted living can be a challenging decision, and it can be hard to have that conversation with aging loved ones, but it doesn’t have to be. Learn how to talk to start the conversation with a loved one and how assisted living services can help seniors live the retirement they’ve always wanted.
10 Tips for Starting the Conversation about Assisted Living
Transitioning from independent living to assisted living can be challenging for some seniors. It may feel like they are losing independence, and relying on others for basic needs can even be scary. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be. Today’s senior living communities are more like resort vacations where person-centered care is valued, and privacy is respected.
A resident may need to add assisted living services if they find activities of daily living challenging. If medication management, mobility, dressing, showering, or other personal care types of activities are stressful or causing concern, it may be time to add senior care services.
Talking to a loved one about transitioning to senior living is a sensitive topic. Here are some tips for talking to your senior loved one about making the move to assisted living.
1. Start early
It’s never too early to start a conversation about the future. Starting earlier can help avoid shock and help everyone in the conversation realize that everyone needs a little help every now and then.
2. Show understanding
It’s important that the conversation actually a conversation. The decision has not been made for them and they should know that their opinion and input truly matters to you.
3. Be sensitive
Be sensitive about their concerns, an emotional attachment to their family home, or their feelings of a loss of independence.
4. Look toward the future
Today’s assisted living communities are encoring places where seniors thrive and have the opportunity to pursue passions and new interests.
5. State your concerns
Compassionately explain your concerns about them living independently. Give specific examples of times when they may have needed help.
6. Be gentle
Do not push too hard. This conversation may have to happen more than once before your parent agrees to make the move.
7. Focus on the positives
Let them know that you see how they are still independent in many areas. This will help them know that you have their best interest in mind, and they may be more receptive to your areas of concern.
8. Schedule tours, if your parent is willing
If your parent agrees, schedule tours at assisted living communities in their local community. If they already live in independent living, ask the community about adding assisted living services.
9. Work with medical providers if there are safety concerns
If you are concerned for their physical safety or your loved one has dementia, you may need to gently make decisions for them along with their medical care team.
10. Remind them they are deeply loved
Always be kind and compassionate, encouraging, and thoughtful, and treat them as you would want to be treated.
Life-Enhancing Assisted Living Care in Fort Collins
MacKenzie Place – Fort Collins offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Our independent living residents can easily add assisted living services a la carte. Here, there is no one-size-fits-all care plan. Our caring staff works with each resident, their families, and their medical care providers to create a care plan that is regularly reviewed and adjusted as needed.
All care services are delivered in the privacy of each resident’s home, and all are designed to enhance the quality of life of our residents. From medication management to mobility assistance and personal care, our caregivers are well-trained and compassionate, preserving dignity and protecting privacy.
Today’s assisted living communities are empowering and encouraging. Everything about MacKenzie Place – Fort Collins is designed for seniors to thrive. Our pet-friendly community is warm and welcoming, featuring a dynamic events calendar, a robust dining program with three meals served daily made from scratch by our in-house chef, onsite salon and spa, and travel agency dedicated to senior travel.
Contact MacKenzie Place – Fort Collins today to schedule your tour and start living better than ever.
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