If you have noticed a change in your parents’ quality of life, you are in good company. Nearly half of people 65 and older rely on support from others for their care needs. Whether you’ve observed your loved one getting lost or confused, or they’ve been rapidly losing weight, there are a number of red flags that can indicate it’s time to explore other living options for your aging parent or spouse. It can be difficult for adult children to see their parents’ health and mobility decline and It can be hard for adults to admit they need help. The combination can lead to the signs going unnoticed (or ignored).
Whether you’ve observed your loved one getting lost or confused, or they’ve been rapidly losing weight, there are a number of red flags that can indicate it’s time to explore other living options for your aging parent or spouse.
- Needing Extra Care: Whether your loved one has gone through a sudden health crisis or regularly fails to take medications as prescribed, around-the-clock care could be a solution to ensure they don’t put their health at further risk.
- Concerns About Home Safety: Slippery bathroom floors and even rugs can be tripping hazards. There are a number of seemingly innocuous things that could make your parent increasingly unsafe in their own home.Even the mundane daily activities such as dressing and bathing can become more challenging.
- Forgetfulness: Do you feel the need to check up on your loved one to ensure they are attending scheduled appointments? Eating dinner? If forgetfulness is not a characteristic your parent has always had, these could be signs that they need more attentive care.
- Loneliness: As health declines and the ability to drive wanes, many seniors begin to feel depressed and isolated as they miss out on social activities. If you’ve noticed that your once engaged parent seems increasingly reclusive, it might be time for a change of scenery.
- Increased Caregiver Stress: When you’re caring for a loved one at home, the added stress of their decline can take a toll on your own mental wellbeing. For peace of mind, it’s important to consider the idea that your parent may need more help than you are able to give
5 Tips for Having The Conversation With Your Parent
If you have noticed any signs that your parent may be ready for assisted living, now’s the time to talk to them about their future. It’s normal to be nervous about this. “The conversation” is all too often portrayed in popular culture as an emotion-driven showdown. In real life, it’s more likely to be the first of many discussions in which you and your parents find the right ways to help and support one another. Here are 5 tips for having the conversation with your parent or loved one:
- Be proactive, not reactive. If your parent has skipped some meals or forgotten to fill a prescription, that’s a time to help, not a time to start the conversation. Choose a relaxed environment, and set a time when no one needs to be rushing.
- Do some homework. What are the pros and cons of home care vs. community life? What are the financial implications? Your parents will have more confidence in their decisions if you can show you’ve researched questions like these.
- Express feelings, not fears. Using “I” and “We” statements will help with this. “You are losing your mobility and could suffer a bad fall at any moment” is better rephrased as “I am worried that you can’t get around as well as you used to and want to know you’re safe at all times.”
- Emphasize the positive. Instead of talking about what your loved one can’t do now, focus on aspects of their independence they will gain or regain in a senior living community.
- Finish with a plan of action. This could be as simple as fixing a time to bring the wider family into the discussion, or as involved as arranging a tour of Cappella of Pueblo West.
Gain Peace of Mind Through Assisted Living
Leaving home doesn’t have to mean a loss of independence. If you’ve recognized any of these 5 signs your parent may be ready for assisted living, a modern assisted living community can help your loved one live their best life while receiving the care they deserve. Exploring options for assisted living can make your relationship with a loved one stronger by allowing your time together to be less stressful and more enjoyable. Reach out to Cappella of Pueblo West today to discuss our assisted living options.
