According to seniorliving.orgThe most common type of senior housing is for people over 75 years old. The average age of elderly people living with assistance is 87 years old.
Between these ages – or perhaps before – a family will have a conversation with their loved one about a lifestyle change that might involve moving out of their existing home and into a senior living facility.
These conversations can be difficult, as many older adults struggle to separate from their familiar homes.
Lee Ann O’Brien of McGregor Senior Living in East Cleveland offered suggestions for how families can best have conversations with their senior about changing living arrangements and any potential troubling feelings these conversations may bring up .
“Start the conversation by expressing concern for your loved one,” O’Brien said. “Point out the changes you’ve noticed in their routine, physically, emotionally and mentally. Show your concern and empathy for your loved one while being supportive in this transition by proposing the idea of an assisted living facility.
“Recognize that the decision to move to assisted living is collaborative. If your loved one is reluctant to move to an assisted living facility, then they may suffer from depression if they are placed somewhere against their will. Make sure they are happy and comfortable with the location you choose to ensure it is the best fit for them.
Keep in mind that while the ages listed above are the norm, some seniors may need assisted living as early as their mid-60s. Sometimes these difficult decisions come sooner than expected.
“As always, it’s better to start these conversations sooner rather than later,” O’Brien said. “If options are explored before a loved one approaches this hurdle, then each family member understands the plan and can ensure their loved one is happy with the decision.” Before you start the conversation, research what you think might be the best solution for your loved one. This will help you explore online options and get an idea of costs, activities, amenities and medical assistance. From there you can start the conversation.
O’Brien said he found many cases where moving to a senior facility sparked a new life in a positive way.
“Maintaining a house, yard, home improvements, cleaning out years of accumulated items hidden in the attic and other expenses can cause stressful times for seniors trying to stay at home,” she said. declared. “Consider this – moving and downsizing – as a time to live your best life and avoid the worries that come with owning or staying in a home. Many people have found time to interact with others and often find that their health and outlook improve when they alleviate some of these stressors.
“With the average age of a person moving into an assisted living facility being 87, it stands to reason that their adult children are around 60 years old. People who are proactive in their approach to senior living options – well, they simply do much better, live longer and healthier! »
There’s no doubt that when your older loved one is faced with the reality that a move must be made, there can be considerable dissent, which is why O’Brien has some simple advice.
“Timing is everything, as is patience,” she said. “Approach with compassion and listen to their feedback as well. Too much information overload can cause stress and lead to an outcome you’d rather avoid. It may take conversations over a period of time to get the results you are hoping for and their willingness to participate in the decision.
If all else fails, remind your loved one that they will have company. More than 818,000 Americans live in a senior care facility.
Steve Mark is a freelance journalist.