As your parent’s age, you may need to help them choose a senior living community. It’s a daunting process, but the right steps will make it easier. Here are some tips to get your elderly parents into the right senior living community:
- Have an Honest Discussion With Mom and Dad
The first step is to have an honest discussion with your parents about their needs. Do they need help with activities of daily living, like bathing and dressing? Are they having difficulty managing their medications?
It’s essential to have this discussion early on, so you can start exploring the different options available. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so it’s crucial to find a community that meets your parent’s specific needs.
- Do Your Research
Once you’ve discussed this with your parents, it’s time to research. Several senior living communities, from independent senior living to assisted living to skilled nursing care options, are available to choose from.
An independent living community may be the right choice if your parents are still relatively active and need little help with activities of daily living. Choosing a community with plenty of social activities and amenities is essential, like an on-site gym or restaurant.
An assisted living community is ideal for those who need help with some activities of daily living but want to maintain their independence. It offers a supportive environment with staff available 24/7 to help with bathing, dressing, and medications.
A skilled nursing facility is the best option for those who need more comprehensive medical care. This type of community has a higher staff-to-resident ratio and offers on-site rehabilitation services.
Visit each community and take a tour. Be sure to ask plenty of questions to feel what each location offers.
- Consider Your Parent’s Wishes
It’s essential to consider your parent’s wishes when choosing a senior living community. If they’re used to having their own space, an independent living community may be the best option. If they need help with activities of daily living, an assisted living community may be a better fit.
- Decide Together
After you’ve done your research and considered your parent’s wishes, it’s time to decide together. This is a big decision, so everyone must be on the same page. Start by creating a list of pros and cons for each community.
Then, sit down with your parents and make a final decision. Keep in mind that this decision doesn’t have to be permanent. If your parent’s needs change, they can always move to a different community. However, because it’s such a big decision, it’s essential to choose the right community.
- Get organized
The last step is to get organized. Once you’ve chosen a community, you’ll need to move your parent’s belongings. You’ll also need to cancel any current memberships, like a gym membership or library card.
You may also need to arrange for transportation to and from the community. Some communities offer shuttle services, while others require residents to have their own car.
Deciding to move your parent into a senior living community is never easy. But by following these tips, you can make the process a little easier. Your parent can age in place with dignity and independence with the right community.
Photo by Matthias Zomer
