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As your parents age, they’ll face more physical and mental challenges. You may notice them feeling isolated or neglecting everyday tasks. A senior living community is an ideal solution, but not all seniors are receptive to the idea right away. Use the following tips to start a productive dialogue.

How to Talk About Assisted Living With Aging Parents

1. Properly Explain What It Is

Seniors are often apprehensive about independent living communities because of common misconceptions. Many perceive them as nursing homes or medical faculties.

In truth, they often resemble hotel resorts. They’re designed to respect residents’ need for independence and privacy while also offering on-demand health care services. Start by educating yourself and gathering print resources from local communities. Visual aids will go a long way for properly explaining what senior living is.

2. Break Down the Need to Move

senior-living-austinYour loved one also needs to accept why moving is the best option. Start paying attention to their complaints. If they’re tired of dealing with repairs or property upkeep, recommend assisted living. The same goes for complaints about cooking, cleaning, and handling general tasks. Explain that the move is designed to make their lives easier.

Next, point out health concerns. If they’ve been diagnosed with a new condition, have a disability, or gotten injured at home, explain that living on their own is becoming dangerous. Point out times where they’ve complained about remembering to take medicine, bathing and grooming, or handling general health needs. A senior living community will handle all of these tasks. 

3. Make Sure They Feel in Control

Many seniors are apprehensive about assisted living because they feel it’s forced on them. Give your aging parent control.

Let them choose the community that’s most appealing or the one they’d like to schedule a tour at. Have them begin thinking about moving dates, what they want to take with them, and the kind of accommodations they’d like at the senior living community.

 

If you’re looking for a senior living solution in the Austin, TX, area, contact Longhorn Village. This stunning community is part of the UT health network and offers a wide selection of apartments and amenities. They offer specialty services like memory care, and their staff will ensure your loved one has everything they need for healthy, stress-free living. Explore floor plans on their website and call (512) 266-5600 to speak with their staff. You can connect on Facebook for news and updates.

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