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Assisted living

Growing old is not an easy process. Often, it means more pains and aches, decreased mobility, and increased difficulty in managing one’s own life. There is no wonder that many elderly adults are decisive about staying free-spirited. A recent survey found that many seniors hope to age in place and wish to remain in their homes for the next five or ten years. However, in reality, about two-thirds of seniors need help with finishing at least one daily task.

It can be really painful when your mind and body want to achieve two different goals. It is due to this reason that several seniors are reluctant about moving into a senior living community. What should be done when your senior parent refuses assisted living? The strategies shared below can help you in such a situation.

Change Your Approach 

When you find that what you are doing is not working, you need to change your strategy. The below tips might help.

• Confer your senior loved one with a feeling of control. Do not force them to do something. Instead, you can ask your senior loved one to explore different options.
• Express your love and concern rather than your fear and frustrations.
• Explain to your senior loved one the benefits of assisted living facilities, like easy socialization and more independence.

Back Off 

If you have tried convincing your senior loved one and failed, you may back off for a while. When your senior loved one does not want assisted living and feels forced into taking a decision, they can feel that they have lost control of their life. Therefore, you need to back off for some time to give your senior loved one time. They can evaluate their situation and may independently conclude that senior living can be the best option for them.

Get Help From Others  

Sometimes, changing the messenger might help. The suggestion of assisted living coming from a friend or another member of the family might not be as unflattering as that coming from you. Moreover, by involving friends and family, you make the message more compelling. You can enlist support from people like a trusted family doctor, a pastor, or another family member with whom your senior loved one has a very good relationship.

A family intervention might help if your senior parent still refuses. However, you need to proceed with caution. Never make your senior parent feel bullied or forced, the goal of the family intervention should be to convey concern.