How to Talk to Your Loved One About Moving to Assisted Living

For many people, home is the heart of their lives. The idea of leaving that can be scary; it is the idea of leaving behind memories and comfort. However, we know that aging at home is not always possible. So how do you start talking to your loved one about the transition to an assisted living community?

• Talk about it early and often. Starting the conversation early, while they are not quite at the stages of transitioning, gives your loved one the chance to get comfortable with the idea. 
• Share their options with them. This can take many forms; some loved ones will be interested in what makes it better than at home care. Others may want to know the difference in communities. It is important to know what your loved one needs to feel comfortable with the transition. 
• Follow their lead. Let your loved one guide the conversation. If they are uncomfortable, ease away from the conversation and bring it up at a later time. 
• Empathize and accept. It is important to be understanding of their feelings; this is a huge transition for them. They may feel like they are out of control. Allow them to talk to you and be sure to listen.
• Be informed. This kind of conversation is sure to bring up questions, so it is important to be sure you are prepared. Before starting the conversation, be prepared to talk about the cost, the different options, and what role you will continue to play in their life. 

Choosing the right community for your loved one can be quite challenging. Our goal is to always make the transition as easy as possible; if you are just starting to look into assisted living, give us a call to see how we can help.