Tips for talking to your parent about assisted living· Pick the right time. Make sure you have enough time to talk about your loved one’s needs and care. Don’t try to sneak in the topic during a Thanksgiving dinner, for example. Schedule a family meeting and be clear about what you want to discuss. Decide who to include. Involve siblings and other family members who care for your loved one. Most importantly, consider including your aging parent in the conversation and the decision. Be empathetic. Ask open-ended questions and listen. For example, you may have noticed your parent is struggling with managing their medications. Ask how they feel about it, and share your concerns with compassion. Let them know you care and are simply worried about their well-being. Set the right tone. Emphasize your role as an advocate for their health and safety. Be open to discussing potential solutions, and create a list of pros and cons. Do your research first. Look for potential assisted living options that match your loved one’s needs and interests before the meeting. Share brochures, pictures, and information to involve your parent in the decision. Revisit the conversation. You may not reach a unanimous consensus right away. Be prepared to have multiple conversations before you find the right care solution for your loved one. Downsizing before moving to assisted living Helping your senior loved one downsize before moving to an assisted living facility can be an emotional task. Belongings may be filled with treasured memories that you and your parent don’t want to let go of.
But before you decide what to take or what to leave behind, it’s
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