At some point, many of us are forced to consider our elderly parents’ living arrangements. Often, after the death of a partner or a significant health issue, but sometimes just because they are getting older, we’re worried about how they are coping with living without full-time help. If you are concerned that your ageing parent is struggling to care for themselves or not coping as well as they used to, there are a few options, such as having them move in with you or hiring home help, but a popular choice is assisted living.
Moving an elderly parent into an assisted living community can mean that you know they are well looked after, but it can also give them access to better food and entertainment, more exercise and healthcare and a thriving social life. However, that first conversation can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you.
Do Some Research
Before you sit down to talk to your parent about the possibility of moving, you should do some research of your own. Find out more about complexes like Baily House care home, looking at what they can offer in terms of health care but also quality of life. Reach out and ask questions if you need to, and be sure to consider some alternative options as well. This way, you can answer your parent’s questions and explain why you think it’s a good idea.
Prepare a List of Concerns
Hopefully, your parent will be on the same page. But they might not be. They might think they are doing fine and be annoyed that you want them to move. In this case, talking to them about your reasons is a good idea. So, before you chat, sit down, and write a list of concerns that you have about their health and wellbeing, the future, and how happy they are at home.
Don’t Wait Too Long
The decision to move and the process itself shouldn’t be rushed, and your parent shouldn’t feel as though they have no choice. Don’t wait until their health has declined to the point that something needs to be done immediately. Have the conversation as soon as you start thinking about it so they have time to think and prepare.
Have a Face-to-Face Chat
This can be a challenging conversation for you both, so try to do it face-to-face when you’ve got plenty of time to talk and don’t have to rush off.
Ask How They’re Doing
Open the conversation by asking them how they are doing and if there’s anything that they feel they need help with. You might find that they share your concerns, and you don’t even need to raise them.
Remember, while you may worry and feel protective, it’s their life. Listen to them, talk through their anxieties about moving, and answer any questions they might have. Once you’ve had this conversation, take some time to let them think, and then perhaps consider booking a viewing or looking at some homes online together.
