The Conversation to Move to an Assisted Living and Steps for a Smooth Transitioning At the time when you think that the seniors in your family require to move to an assisted living facility, a long conversation is evident. In this regard, it is important to talk to them, maintaining complete transparency so that no problems arise later.
Start with Researching for Assisted Living Options It is always recommended to start by researching a number of assisted living options for smooth and hassle-free parents’ transition into senior living. It is extremely important to understand the levels of care offered and the price charged for the services provided. Make sure to discuss every point with the seniors so that they do not feel left out. Involve the Seniors in the Decision-Making Process There are a number of reasons for transition, but it is immensely important that the seniors should understand the reasons appropriately. They should never feel that the transitioning is because they are a burden on the other family members or they are unwanted members of the family. Here, it would be ideal to involve the seniors in the decision-making process. Always Use Positive Tone and Language At the time of speaking about assisted living, make sure to use only a positive tone. Make use of positive language and non-threatening words. It is undoubtedly the best way to ensure that the entire conversation goes on smoothly. It would be great to refer to assisted living as a community instead of a facility. Moreover, highlighting the facilities and amenities, activities, and social opportunities instead of personal care. The voice tone can certainly make a big difference in the conversation, and the focus should always be on speaking in a quiet, calm & pleasant tone.
Consider the Future During the conversation to move to an assisted living, the future needs to be considered. For instance, if both your parents are moving into an assisted living facility, what happens if one of them expires? Thus, appropriate future planning is essential as a part of the conversation. Debunk the Myths It is true that there are a number of assisted living myths that need to be debunked during the conversation. • • • • • • • •
Many believe that assisted living is just like a nursing home The residents are not allowed to get to set their own schedule Assisted living is extremely expensive In an assisted living facility, no one is allowed to go anywhere No privacy is there The residents are not allowed to do their favourite things Everyone feels bored and lonely in an assisted living facility The food available is not good
Unfortunately, all these are common misconceptions regarding assisted living, none of which are true. Hence, these are to be clearly discussed during the conversation. Tips for Smooth Transitioning Moving to an assisted living facility might not be easy, and hence we have listed a few tips to follow to ensure a smooth transitioning. • It would be ideal to start with choosing the right community. • The next step would be to research the cost of assisted living. • After choosing a community, it would be ideal for visiting or having a tour of the facility before finally moving in • Packing efficiently to make sure that no essential items are missed • It is to be made sure that all logistical and housekeeping items are taken care of in the right way • Allowing time for the emotional transition of seniors is one of the keys towards smooth transitioning into an assisted living facility • Help the seniors to set up their living space as per their preference How Does Athulya Assisted Living help? Athulya Assisted Living is one of the premier assisted living services for seniors in Chennai. Our services are available at an affordable price, where besides providing rented living spaces, we offer skilled nursing care. We provide all modern facilities and amenities to make sure that the residents have an overall great stay with us.
FAQs Do Every Senior Needs to go to an Assisted Living Facility? No, it is not always required for every senior to move to an assisted living facility. How to Decide Whether to Move to an Assisted Living Facility? The decision depends on different factors like the physical condition of the seniors, the possibility of care at home, etc. Is Assisted Living Very Costly? No, it is not. The cost depends on the overall facilities opted for or offered.