Estate planning attorneys understand that the idea of transitioning a parent to an assisted living facility is never an easy conversation to have, no matter how much an elderly parent may benefit from such a move. Most senior citizens will flat out refuse to move from the home they’ve known for years into unfamiliar surroundings. Given time, though, most senior citizens will find that they’ll have more opportunities to enjoy themselves and the company of others living in their community once daily tasks like cleaning, cooking, and doing laundry are removed from their plate. The following are some ways you can continue to have a positive conversation about transitioning an elderly parent to an assisted living facility:
Bring in a professional to do an assessment.
Emotions can easily take over for every party involved when the topic of transitioning from a home to an assisted living facility comes up. That’s why healthcare professionals, social workers, and elder law attorneys are always willing to step in and make an honest assessment about the level of care your parent needs, and whether it’s appropriate for them to stay in their own home or instead move to an assisted living facility.
Get the whole family involved
While you obviously don’t want your elderly parent to feel like you and your other loved ones are forcing them to move out of their house, it’s important to reach a consensus with the other decision-makers in your family. Presenting a strong case about transitioning to an assisted living facility is much easier when everyone is on the same page.
Keep the important items when downsizing the home
Moving from a large house to a room in an assisted living facility makes it impossible to keep every possession. That being said, you should make every effort to bring all of your parent’s keepsakes to their new home so they will have items that are familiar and loved. It can also help to bring small furnishings or furniture that will make the new place feel like home.
Make sure to visit or call often
It’s crucial to maintain contact with your parent once they’ve moved by visiting or calling often and helping them adjust to their new surroundings. You can plan to have weekly meals with them, either at the facility, your home, or a restaurant, or you can call them at the same time every day. If possible, you should try to attend events at the assisted living facility where other family members are welcome to join.
If you would like to discuss strategies for transitioning your parent from their home to an assisted living facility, or if you’d like to assess your elderly parent’s situation to determine if a move to an assisted living facility could benefit them, please call me at 916.801.4132 to set up a complimentary consultation.