3 Ways to Help Your Parent Choose an Assisted Living Community

So, your parent or parents have decided to look for an assisted living community and have asked for your help. Though it can be stressful to contribute to such an important decision, Twin Towers is here. Offering support rather than directing their decisions can go a long way in keeping the process manageable and lessen the potential stress on your relationship. Here are three tips to ease the transition.

Helping Your Parent/s Choose an Assisted Living Community

Validate Feelings

It is important to understand that this is an emotionally trying process and talking about it and deciding may be difficult. Validating your parents’ feelings is essential to having a productive discussion. 

What is Emotional Validation?

Emotional validation is learning, understanding, and expressing acceptance of another person’s emotional experience. It does not mean that all parties involved need to agree. Rather, you communicate with your parent/s that you understand their feelings without shaming or invalidating them.

Why is Emotional Validation Important?

Emotional validation is important for a number of reasons. Some benefits include:

• Communicating acceptance
• Strengthening relationships
• Improved emotional regulation

It is alright if you feel the need to express your own feelings during this conversation as long as all parties are being listened to and respected. It is important that all parties know this is for the best and that assisted living can actually help you maintain your relationship without the obligation of an adult child caregiver or worry. 

Prepare for the Move to an Assisted Living Community

Once you and your parent/s comes to an agreement, it’s time to prepare for the move. The first thing you will want to do is discuss the keepsakes and valuables that can be handled with care or given to family members.

The second step is to mark furniture and other items that your parent/s wishes to take with them to the new assisted living community.

The last thing you will want to do is create a timeframe and plan for the moving day. This includes preparations for a moving truck, unpacking, and the first night in their new home.

Explore the New Assisted Living Community

Once your parent/s are ready to explore a community, it is important that they get out there and start meeting people. This will make them feel like part of the community as soon as possible. They should introduce themselves to neighbors, associates, and everyone else in the community. 

It might be helpful to ask an on-site associate to provide a calendar of events as well so you can look over what the community has to offer. 

Another important thing to look for at the community is volunteer opportunities that encourage social interactions with the new community.

Remember that change is difficult at every stage of life. And deciding to move to an assisted living community is no exception. However, being involved in a supportive way that doesn’t remove independence from your parent/s will make the experience better for everyone involved.

Keep in mind, choosing an assisted living community is an opportunity. It is an opportunity for your parent/s to explore their interests and for you to grow your relationship.

With all the senior living options today, researching each of them can be exhausting. To help, we have created your FREE Continuing Care Retirement Community Guide to get you started.