Talking with a loved one about senior living can be a difficult conversation, but delaying it may potentially cause them more harm in the future. It’s important to recognize the signs, be aware of their well-being, and take their point of view into consideration. It’s not easy to challenge a loved one’s independence, especially if they are unwilling to make the transition. Before initiating the conversation, do your research and deliver the facts in an empathetic tone.
Here’s how you can prepare for this challenging conversation:
Do your Homework
Before speaking with a loved one about the options available to them, make sure that you are knowledgeable on the topic. Start by creating a list of concerns that you have for them so that you can address them together. By exploring options beforehand, you can prepare yourself to be as supportive as possible during the conversation so that they feel heard rather than attacked. That way, you can take their opinions into consideration when finding a home that suits their needs.
Keep the Lines of Conversation Open
Now that you’re ready to sit down and talk, use an empathetic tone. As difficult as it is to bring this topic up, you want to make sure that they know that your concerns are coming from the heart. It may help to bring brochures for potential homes so that they can feel like they are contributing to and helping to make the decision of where the next step in their lives is headed. Encourage them to ask questions and don’t rush the process. Open-ended questions are the best way to open the lines of communication. The last thing that you should do is to issue orders. Unless mentally incapacitated, your loved one should get a say in where and how they choose to live.
Take Them for a Tour
There will come a time when you don’t have all the answers to their questions and this is where you can rely on a caregiver to fill in the blanks. By taking a tour, your loved one is able to view the space, see what the living community has to offer, and understand what other amenities are included. By scheduling a tour, you’re also showing them that you value their opinion and entrust them to help make the decision. While touring the living community, meet with some of the residents and ask them about their living conditions to get an honest feel for the home. Lastly, moving is a big step in anyone’s life, so give them time to weigh their options before making a choice.
If you’re searching for a new home for you or a loved one, come check us out at Kaplan Development Group. We offer attractive living communities for seniors who prefer to live on their own as well as for those who require additional assistance. Our staff is composed of professionals who are highly experienced and devoted to treating residents with respect and dignity at all times. Call us today at (516)-496-1505 and schedule a tour!
