Talk Assisted Living with Aging Parents by Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living in Phoenix, Arizona

Often a tough transition to go through, moving into a seniors’ community can be a stressful time. It can also bring relief if you choose a community which fosters as much independence as possible while providing a strong safety net of support services and supervision. After all, isn’t that what we want for all seniors, to be as independent as possible while getting the extra help they often need? So how do you ease your aging parents or other relatives into this new phase of their lives?

·         Start early: Don’t wait for crisis to strike to discuss assisted living with your parents. Think about it in advance. If your parent has enough time to think it over, it will make the move a lot easier.

·         Perspective: Look at the situation from their point of view. Moving to a new home is a major life change. So approach the subject with sensitivity. Put yourself in their shoes and think about how you’d best want to be spoken to.

·         Include other family members: For aging parents to see that many family members are interested in their well-being is motivating and encouraging. Try to have all family members in agreement before the discussion with your loved one.  Many times family relationships get better after the decision is made and the senior is settled and being cared for.

·         Examples: Citing examples during the discussion works wonders. Talk about recent incidents that could have been dangerous or hazardous for the senior living alone. Without exaggeration, chat about why you and your parent can both enjoy peace of mind knowing there will always be someone there for them.

·         Be positive:  Many seniors are happier in an assisted living community than they were before.  There are many benefits to living in a warm and caring community with such amenities as dining options, housekeeping and laundry services, salon services, scheduled transportation and enriching activities.

At Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living Phoenix Arizona, we go the extra mile to make sure your senior loved ones are comfortable and secure. But there’s nothing more comforting than having another loved one move with you. To learn more, check out this blog post on couples making the move to assisted living communitiestogether.