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Sep 01, 2021

Your Guide to Helping Your Parents Realize They Need Assisted Living

Your parents value their freedom and independence in retirement. However, you’ve started to notice they’re having some difficulty keeping up with daily tasks like medication management or getting dressed. It’s important for your parents to make the most of their golden years; you just want to make sure they have the right support as they continue to age. 

While you’ve heard about the benefits that assisted living can offer older adults like your parents, you’re not sure how to talk to them about it. After all, having a conversation about such an important life transition isn’t always easy. In this post, we’re going to break down how you can help your parents realize they could benefit from assisted living. 

senior lady talking with a nurse while looking over a health chart

Recognizing the Signs that Your Parents Need Assisted Living 

When you go to your parents’ house to visit them, it’s normal to witness a few lapses in memory or see them struggle with a few daily tasks. The question is, when are these types of behaviors cause for concern and motivation for you to help them transition to an assisted living community? Some of the most common signs that your parents could benefit from assisted living include: 

  • Your parents have gone through noticeable weight gain or loss.
  • They’re losing mobility or stumbling and falling frequently.
  • They’re losing interest in their hobbies. 
  • They’re struggling to complete routine daily tasks. 
  • You need to remind them to take their medications. 
  • They’re becoming increasingly isolated. 

What to Expect from an Assisted Living Community

Before you talk to your parents about making the move to an assisted living community, it’s important to get a clear picture of what they can expect there. Assisted living communities are designed to provide a safe environment where personalized services help residents remain as independent as possible. When your parents are living in an assisted living community, they’ll be on their own schedule while receiving any care they need. Assisted living is supposed to help residents feel at home, and gives them the freedom to decorate their apartments with a personal touch. 

One of the most exciting parts about moving to an assisted living community is the wide variety of activities there are to explore. Plus, your parents will have peace of mind knowing that whenever they need extra care, an expert staff will be ready to help. 

senior lady talking with adult child while looking at a tablet together

Advice on Having the Conversation with Your Parents

When you’re ready to talk to your parents about assisted living, it’s best to approach the topic gently. Try to remember that change is often intimidating and that taking the conversation slow can really help your parents move forward. To start, ask some open-ended questions about how your parents are currently doing. Do your best to get them to open up about any struggles they’re experiencing or activities they’re having a hard time keeping up with. 

Once these issues are out in the open, it’s time to share with them what you’ve learned about assisted living communities. During this process, give them the opportunity to ask questions and voice their concerns. You want your parents to feel heard because, at the end of the day, moving to an assisted living community is their decision. 

Now you’re at the point where you and your parents can start looking at nearby communities. While it’s natural to want to move the process along, remember to be patient with your parents. The transition to assisted living typically takes  more than one conversation; it takes time to ask all your questions and get the answers you need to make the right decision.. Do your best to check in with your parents during the process to ensure they’re comfortable during each step. 

seniors holding their two dogs on their laps while sitting on the couch

How to Help Your Parents Picture Life in Assisted Living

The idea of not knowing what to expect from a big life transition like moving to assisted living is one of the main drivers of uncertainty and apprehension. It’s crucial that you work with your parents to help them get a better understanding of what their lifestyle will be like at an assisted living community. The best way to do that is by scheduling a few tours of communities that have caught your interest. 

By going on a tour, your parents will get a firsthand  look at what to expect from the next chapter in their retirement. They’ll be able to see what activities and amenities will be waiting for them, as well as meet some of the compassionate team members who could be assisting them. 

Discover Premier Assisted Living Near You 

At The Ridge Senior Living, our main goal is to create a richer environment for your parents to thrive in. Our communities are filled with interesting and caring people ready to help your parents with daily tasks or join them in participating in their favorite hobby. To learn more about our unique and personalized approach to luxury assisted living, contact us today. Don’t forget to schedule a tour with your parents for a closer look at the fulfilling lifestyle in any of our communities.