Assisted living residences offer senior adults the opportunity to live mostly independent lives, even if they do need some assistance once in a while. However, many individuals are not comfortable with the conversation about assisted living. In fact, some people reject the need for a move to assisted living, even if they have sustained an injury at their home. If someone you love has been hurt at home recently but objects to the idea of senior living, we are here to help you initiate and navigate these challenging discussions.
Understanding Concerns About a Move to Assisted Living
When a senior loved one is resistant to the idea of moving to an assisted living residence, it helps to speak with them about their feelings and concerns. Often, their objection to assisted living should not be considered irrational – it is simply not something they think is necessary. Family members should understand that this resistance often arises from anxiety about losing independence and the familiarity of their home environment. It’s essential to listen carefully to their concerns, validating their emotions without dismissing them prior to discussion.
Tips to Navigate Discussions Post-Injury
- Begin by acknowledging your loved one’s desire to remain at home and the reasons for their feelings.
- Thoughtfully explore the problems they experience when performing tasks, and discuss how an injury has adversely affected their daily routine.
- Talk about the benefits that assisted living can offer, such as safety, medical attention, and social opportunities.
- Ensure that your family member feels free to express any fears they may have regarding assisted living facilities.
Immediately following an injury, your family member may not be open to a change of lifestyle. The aging process is natural, but there may be embarrassment about the situation – and no one wants to feel like they are causing an inconvenience. However, they may change their mind once they have had the opportunity to consider the reality of their situation. Be patient and give them time to get used to the idea of a move to assisted living.
Another possible objection is that your family member doesn’t want to become a burden. This fear is related to their feelings of autonomy, but it can go deeper. For one thing, your senior loved one may have concerns about their financial status. Asking for financial assistance is uncomfortable, especially for an independent person who is aging. Some individuals object to any help at all, whether from paid healthcare professionals or people they love.
An appropriate way to dissuade these concerns is to provide assurance that the new circumstances will not a burden on your family. Let them know that they are secure, safe and cared for will provide them with immense relief. They have worked hard their entire life and deserve the help they need in their golden years, whether that help is with small daily tasks or involves more intensive caretaking.
If They Won’t Accept Help After an Injury
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your family member’s illness and injury, you can also honestly let them know that refusing help is not beneficial for anyone. If a senior adult is injured in their own home and does not have the ability to summon prompt medical attention, their condition can become more complicated – resulting in additional medical expenses and stress for all involved. Assisted living communities allow any capable resident the opportunity to live an independent life with the comfort and safety of 24/7 security.
My Care Finders is a team of professional senior care advisors who are committed to helping your family make the right choice about assisted living. We are here to answer any questions you may have – call today.
