At some point, most adult children of aging parents find themselves confronting questions about when their parents can no longer live alone and what that means for their family. Delaying those tough conversations doesn’t shelve the concern felt for aging seniors. And, for family members who are unable to check in on their loved ones frequently, the worries can mount quickly. The transition into a senior living community can be a difficult conversation to have. George Walker, Assisted Living Specialist at Friendship Village in Sunset Hills, suggests framing the conversation around care. “Most of our residents have been in their homes for many years,” Walker said. “Some are a little too proud to admit they need assistance. I always share with the families the peace of mind that comes from knowing their loved one is being cared for all day, every day.”
Starting A Conversation
A senior family member may be just one fall away from needing independent living, assisted living or skilled nursing, which is why starting those conversations now is important. But a fall isn’t the only incident that may trigger a conversation. An aging loved one can display other important signs to indicate a need to investigate senior living options. Has the senior family member withdrawn from his or her regular activities? Have changes in their weight or eating habits occurred? Are bills unpaid or mail unopened? Are they uncertain about which medications to take and when? Something like unusual clutter in the home or a lack of personal hygiene may cause concern. “Mom never used to have dirty laundry on the floor or dishes in the sink,” Walker said. “A change in regular behavior is a red flag that families may need to start talking about a transition to senior living.”
Addressing Concerns
An aging parent who has been self-sufficient may fear the loss of independence. Seniors may think their quality of life is over once they move into a community. Or worse, that they are going to end up using a walker. Quite the opposite is true. Residents are monitored and given the assistance they need to avoid diminished mobility and retain a strong sense of self. Seniors may also be concerned about leaving behind a lifetime of memories during this transition. The good news is that seniors often find they don’t spend much time in their new apartments because a calendar of activities and outings keeps them busy. Communal dining, regular activities with others with shared interests or similar backgrounds and everyday conversation benefit seniors in residential living tremendously. Larger communities like Friendship Village also have libraries, lounges, exercise gyms, swimming pools and multiple restaurant options. All compelling reasons for residents to spend more time staying active and interacting with others.
Assessing the Options
It’s never too early to seek answers. It is smart to investigate all the senior living options available before it becomes a need. Senior living communities differ in their options of care as well as in their costs. For example, Friendship Village is the only Life Care community in the area, which means it offers all levels of care, from independent living to assisted living and memory care to skilled nursing, all on one campus, providing the option of predictable costs for life regardless of the level of care needed. Families have multiple things to consider when thinking about senior living for a loved one, but it all starts with a conversation centered around care.