You love your parents, so it’s hard to see them worried, upset, or fearful. Unfortunately, this is the reality many adult children and caregivers face when they consider moving their parents to senior housing.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to prepare your loved ones to move into assisted living facilities. Here are four common worries about senior housing and how you can gently address them:
“My Family Will Forget About Me”
Many aging adults worry that moving into assisted living or other senior housing will cut them off from their loved ones.
The best way to address this fear is with honesty and compassion.
Acknowledge your parents’ fears with validating statements. You can say things like, “I understand your worries. I promise we will visit as often as possible.”
Of course, it’s important to follow through on these promises. Your parents need to know that you are not abandoning them but giving them the best possible care.
“I’ll Get Bored and Lonely”
Many elderly people struggle to keep up with friends and hobbies. Your parents might worry that moving into senior housing will seal the deal: They’ll be unoccupied for the rest of their days.
However, assisted living facilities offer residents many activities, hobbies, and gatherings. There are plenty of opportunities for socializing and exploring their interests.
You can ease your parents’ fears by taking them on a tour of the senior housing you are considering. Allow the residential staff to show them the wide array of activities and social opportunities they will have.
“I Won’t Have Control Over My Life Anymore”
Sadly, many aging parents feel that moving into senior housing will remove their autonomy.
Assisted living facilities are designed to give aging adults as many choices as possible. The goal is to assist seniors with daily tasks, not to control them.
Your parents may benefit from looking at assisted living brochures and websites. Explain how they will be cared for each day while emphasizing the autonomy they get to keep. The staff will be there to help your parents, not limit them.
“I’m Not Important Anymore; My Kids Are Getting Rid of Me”
A common worry among aging adults is that their lives have lost meaning, so their children are shipping them off to get away from them.
This couldn’t be further from the truth. Reassure your parents that their lives are important to you, and they will receive much better care in senior housing. You aren’t abandoning them; you’re supporting them, just as they have supported you throughout your life.
Ease Your Parents’ Fears for a Smooth Transition
If you take the time to address your parents’ fears now, they will have an easier transition into senior housing. These fears are understandable, but they are not true. You will love your parents just as much in senior housing as you do now.
No comments:
Post a Comment