Spring Arbor Living Blog

Many wonder how to begin talking about moving towards assisted living with their family and loved one. This is a very important and very difficult conversation. It is critical to have this conversation in the right way at the right time in order to make this decision the right way.

You need to prepare yourself for this conversation by knowing what the options are. Have some ideas on how to have the discussion with your loved ones and how to address the need for care.

Be prepared:
Acknowledge to your parent or loved one, and to yourself, that this is not an easy conversation. This will be a big change. You and your parents or senior loved one need to address this change while they can still talk about it and participate in the decision making process.

Know your options:
Prior to starting the conversation, understand what options are within the realm of possibility for you and your parents. Perhaps meet with a geriatric care manager, visit some assisted living communities and become educated on home care options.  This way you can be prepared with information for your loved one and together you can make lists of the pro’s and con’s of each solution.

Discussion:
To begin the conversation with your senior loved one, acknowledge that the conversation is not easy, but let them know why you (and your siblings) believe the conversation is important. It is very important to be straight forward with your concerns but respectful of your parents fears and concerns. Be sure to plan on having an active discussion with your parents. Let them participate in the conversation. Keep in mind that you most likely won't reach a resolution in the first conversation. The first conversation is a way to opening the door to future conversations. Most likely the topic will have to be revisited.

For information on Spring Arbor Living in North Carolina and Virginia, contact us.

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