Often, a senior decides that they have reached a point in their life that they want to move to a more secure residence. Whether they are looking for more friends, want the security of a community, or want a maintenance-free lifestyle, assisted living is a deliberate choice for many seniors. It is ideal for those looking for an independent lifestyle but understanding that it is safer to not live alone. On the other hand, moving into a memory care facility may not be the choice of the individual – it is more often a decision made by a family who is observing the cognitive decline and concerned about their loved one’s health and well-being. Whether assisted living or memory care, if a family determines that it is time for their parent to move and their parent doesn’t agree, conversations can become challenging.
One of the most important things that families can do when making a decision about a senior living facility is to include their parent as much as possible. After all, no one likes to be treated like a child. If you have grown concerned about your family member’s health or safety and believe that they need to make a move to a professional community, arrange a time to discuss your concerns and hear their thoughts and emotions. If the individual is in the early stages of memory loss, they may be more confused or combative at certain times of the day. Therefore, choose a time that they tend to be most coherent and calm to discuss your thoughts.
There may be other options at this point – such as hiring an in-home caregiver. However, if a facility is preferred, your loved one may become less reluctant if they are involved in the decision. Ask them what is important to them, take into account what you know about their personality, and then search for the best local communities that fit their needs. Allow them to come with you as you tour different communities, and ask them to decide which feels most like home to them. Most assisted living and memory care communities will allow you to have a meal in their dining room, attend an event, and speak with current residents in order to build confidence. Be sure to view their activities calendar, and if you don’t see an entry for what you need – such as worship service or educational opportunity – ask the administrators about any access there may be. By visiting and touring communities and choosing the one they like the best, they do not feel that their freedom has been taken from them.
Those individuals who have early-stage dementia often find comfort in being able to choose their future home while they are still able to do so – this maintains their sense of autonomy and control at a time when they desperately need it.
If you still cannot get buy-in from your family member, you may wish to enlist the help of their medical doctor to explain why they will be safer in a controlled and monitored environment.
The Professionals at My Care Finders Can Help
The owner of My Care Finders recognized that families needed compassionate yet knowledgeable advice regarding senior care when she walked through the process with her own mother. The service is FREE OF CHARGE to
My Care Finders has done the research and can make professional recommendations based on your budget, geography, and preferences.
