Talking to a loved one about transitioning from independent living or in-home care to an assisted living facility can be a challenge. Your aging relative may have some preconceived notions about what it’s like to live in a nursing home or have fears or reservations about moving to a new place away from family. The following tips will help you talk about this sensitive subject with your elderly loved ones. 

How to Talk to Your Loved One About Moving to a Nursing Home

1. Tell the Truth

When discussing such a big transition with an aging relative, it’s important to present the factual evidence of why moving to a nursing home will be the most beneficial choice for the next stage in their life. This may mean having a hard conversation with them about struggles or challenges they have faced recently and that have led you to this conclusion. Gently provide examples of instances, and explain how elderly care professionals can help.

2. Explain the Benefits 

Each nursing facility is different, but many have a variety of programs for the elderly to help them become acclimated to the community, build friendships with other members, develop new hobbies, and enjoy this next stage in their lives. It may be a good idea to pick up a number of different brochures and let your loved one look through them. That way, they will not feel as if the decision has already been made for them. Remind your loved one this is a choice you are making together and you want to make sure the place you decide on is one where they will be happy, safe, and satisfied.

3. Let Them See for Themselves

Many people of a certain age feel they have established a certain routine and a way of life; to completely change all of that can be challenging. That’s why it’s important for them to see it’s not only something that is possible, but something that can be enjoyable. Once you have shown your loved one some brochures from a few nursing homes, have them go on a tour and see what life there is really like. If they meet the people they will be interacting with on a day-to-day basis, they may be more inclined to move forward.

When a loved one moves to a nursing home, it’s not only a struggle for the aging relative, but also the one aiding the transition. If you’re helping your family member through this time in their life, contact Englewood Health Care Center in Monroeville, AL. Their skilled and educated nursing staff is passionate about the people they serve and provides the utmost professional care and comfort to their residents. For more information about their nursing facility, give them a call at (251) 575-3285, or visit them online.