Even with all the services and amenities that often come with senior living, older adults can still sometimes feel anxious about making the move to a senior living community. You might be curious, concerned, or even frustrated when you discover that your loved one isn’t buying into the idea of senior living as much as you are.
Remember, encouraging your loved one to consider senior living is not something that will change their mind overnight. It is important to remember to try and be patient as this is a conversation that you may need to have quite a few times.
If you believe senior living could be the best option for your loved one, but they are reluctant to make the move, we have compiled some steps to help you navigate this situation and help your loved one feel more comfortable to discuss this transition.
Listen to Their Objections
Before you know how to maintain a positive conversation about senior living, you need to understand the point of view your loved one has regarding the subject. The key to learning more about why your loved one might be so reluctant to consider senior living is to listen to their objections without judgment.
Your loved one might simply want to stay at home because change and transition are scary no matter what age we are. They also have a whole house full of memories they cherish.
Listen to their point of view without trying to convince them they are wrong or misinformed. You can return to the subject another time, but it’s important you understand their general concerns or objections.
Share the Benefits
Senior living is designed to help older adults meet their health and wellness goals, create meaningful relationships with new friends, and offer the right amount of assistance with tasks when needed. However, many people often associate negative stereotypes with senior living communities thinking that they are how they were once portrayed. Senior living has come a long way over the years and is no longer the way they were once before.
If your loved one is reluctant to consider senior living, it might be because they simply do not understand the benefits of modern senior living. Share the benefits of senior living to your loved one and how those benefits could directly affect them. If you know of a family member or friend who has a successful senior living story, share that with your loved one. Being able to associate benefits with someone your loved one already knows can be quite powerful.
Take Them on a Tour
Perhaps the best way to experience the benefits and life in a senior living community is to live it. If you feel your loved one is at least willing to give it a try visit a senior living community near you. A personalized tour can include meeting team members and residents, as well as viewing apartments, attending an activity, or even enjoying a meal. Your loved one will get a sense of what life at that community could be like, and they may even picture themselves there enjoying all the amenities and services.
Not sure where to go for a tour? We can help. Through a quick conversation we will hear the needs of your loved one and provide you with communities that you can visit which will fit exactly what you and your loved one is looking for. Let us help you with this journey.
Talk About It with Their Medical Providers
If your loved one is reluctant to consider senior living, it can be wise to get the opinion of your loved one’s physician and medical team. Make an appointment with your loved one’s doctor to talk about the pros and cons of senior living as well as those for remaining at home. Your loved one might take the recommendation of their physician to heart and begin to give senior living a chance.
Reapproach the Subject
Remember, your loved one will not likely change their mind about senior living overnight, and that’s okay. Stay patient, keep listening, and maintain their involvement as you reapproach the subject as needed over the course of the next months or years.
Remember, NC Senior Living Solutions is your partner in this research. We are here to help you or your loved one transition into a senior living community. We are your guides through this process and will make it as stress-free as possible.
We will help you or your loved one through every step of the transition journey. From consultations to coordinating the move, we will be with you every step of the way. If you are feeling overwhelmed about the process of sifting through senior living options near you, contact us today. You do not have to navigate this process alone – we are here to help
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