As seniors get older, they often need help with taking care of their homes and themselves. Assisted living can significantly improve your loved one’s quality of life, but the transition from living independently can be a challenge for them. Make the transition easier on everyone and get them excited about this life change with the right approach.

How to Talk to Them About Assisted Living

The best way to approach the conversation about transitioning is to be well-prepared. Show them that this change in their living arrangement will make their life easier and free up time to do the activities they love—rather than taking away their freedom. Many seniors falsely perceive assisted care as a loss of independence, when it is actually to their benefit.

Rather than focusing on why they can’t take care of themselves, focus on the benefits of moving to an assisted living facility. Show them that they can expect home-cooked meals, an expanded social circle with the other residents, and wonderful amenities, such as housekeeping and laundry services and clubs and educational programs. Take them for a tour and set up a meeting with a current resident, so they can begin to look forward to the transition. Relieve their anxiety about the change by listening to what they want and trying to find a reasonable middle ground.

How to Make the Change

If your loved one owns a home, wait to sell it until they have moved; the stress of living in a home that’s on the market isn’t something they should be dealing with. When they move into the new facility, bring plenty of personal items, so it feels like home, as opposed to an impersonal hotel room; bring photos, their favorite quilt, the chair they usually sit in, or other personal items. Visit them often during the first few weeks to make the transition a little easier and show them that you haven’t forgotten about them.

If your loved one seems to need some help as they get older, you can trust Provident Village at Creekside in Cobb County, GA, and Provident Village at Canton in Cherokee County to make them feel at home. Their assisted living residents love the personalized service, custom senior care plans, and enjoyable living accommodations. Their community is designed to boost your loved one’s quality of life, from the ample amenities to the full calendar of stimulating activities. Visit their website to learn more about their services, and call (678) 903-0339 for the Smyrna location or (770) 575-8509 for the Canton community to schedule a visit.