One option when your parents get older and need more help is assisted living. It’s a great way for them to get the care and socialization they need.
It might be a big step and a significant move for all of you involved. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t be a good and positive one. The following advice will help you navigate how you can help your parents to transition to an assisted living facility successfully and smoothly.
Do Your Research
Plant the seed early on with your parents so they know what you’re thinking. Get a feel for how they’re doing overall and make the connection that assisted living may be the best option for them. Be sure to do your research and homework and see what facilities are out there and available. Take tours, ask for referrals, and look for more information online. See if you can get your parents to help you with this task so that they’re involved right from the start. Focus on highlighting the benefits of them going to an assisted living facility if they seem hesitant or unsure about it all.
Visit Often
You can help your parents transition to assisted living by being available and there for them when they need you the most. It might be a challenging situation initially so they’ll want to see a friendly face. Stay in touch and plan to visit as often as possible. This is your chance to see how they’re doing and get a better idea of whether they’re being well cared for or not. If you suspect abuse or neglect then reach out to nursinghomelawcenter.org for more information and guidance regarding your case. The more you visit and hang around the happier your parents will be and more in tune you’ll get with what’s going on in the facility and the environment.
Meet Others
You should encourage your parents to get out of their room and socialize whenever possible. Help them transition to assisted living and protect them by hanging around and getting them to walk around and meet others. Make sure that they take advantage of any social events or activities and eat meals in the dining room which will also be good for them. As their child, you should also be in the know about who is who and get to know the other residents and caretakers and staff. You’ll want people you can turn to when you have questions or need advice.
Arrange A Family Meeting
It’s necessary to take time to let all of it and this new living situation sink in. Each person in your family may have varying opinions about if it’s the right choice or not, including your parents. Be kind, understanding, and open-minded as you discuss how it’s going and any changes you want to see occur. Sit down and have a family meeting to talk about how your parents are doing and schedules so you and other family members can each visit at different times. Your parents will love seeing you all and you’ll be able to quickly lift their spirits when you show you care.
