Moving a loved one to a retirement community is one hot topic that many would want to avoid. This is due to the fact that parents may tend to go mad at that idea. It seems like they are no longer wanted or loved where they are now. Considering that you cannot be there most of the time and that you are concerned about their safety, however, you might want to introduce the idea of moving to assisted living to them. Here are tips on how to make the conversation more successful for both parties.
Do Your Research
You must have the list of concerns ready so that you can inform your parents about them. Let them know and understand why you think their home is no longer safe for them. It will also help to ask other family members about the idea. Be ready with a list of retirement communities that you have searched on, and make sure that their exclusive senior living programs will definitely make the move better for your loved ones.
Talk to Them as Early as Possible
Do not wait until such time that your loved ones are already experiencing a health crisis. You may need to introduce to them the possibility of moving to a retirement community, early on, when they won’t feel like they are being betrayed by their own children. The earlier you start, the better it will be for them to understand, and be cooperative with the entire idea.
Never Talk to Them about it Over the Phone
A face-to-face and heart-to-heart talk will be the best setup for the entire idea. You can arrange a schedule as to when you can converse about it, considering the time that is most favorable for your loved one. You would not want to talk to them when they are having tantrums, or have had a busy day. Allow them to relax and get rested before introducing the topic.
Show Them Empathy
Never let them feel or think that you are so sorry for them. They do not want that. It is a matter of empathizing with them. When you talk to them using a calm, gentle voice, and you show in your actions that you truly care for their welfare, they will understand better. Never show signs of fear and frustration because they will feel that.
Do not Rush Them into It
It is not like you have talked today, and you will move them to the community the following day. Allow them time to digest the thought of being away from a familiar environment. Make them decide when it is best for them to make the move. You must arrive at mutual terms, or if it is perfectly fine with you, always consider what is better for them. After all, it is them who will be leaving home.
Listen All the Time
Parents may be anxious and have objections and concerns regarding the idea of moving into a retirement community. You need to understand that and help them out of those dilemmas. Acknowledge their questions, and carefully explain the answers to them. Listen to whatever thoughts and reservations they have on the matter.
