How to transition aging parents

Moving a parent, even a willing one, into assisted living, or any senior living facility is tough on everyone. Your parents may mourn the loss of their younger years, their independence, the home they built. They could be scared about aging, making new friends, finding their way in a new place.

You may be mourning all of those things too. You may second-guess your decision. Did we act too quickly? Overreact? Wait too long? And you will feel guilt. Guilt is inevitable. 

Here a few tips to make the transition easier for everyone:

The first step is open communication 

Seniors can be emotionally vested in the home they’re leaving, and it’s expected that there will be sadness about the move. This can be a tough conversation with your aging parent, but give them time to grieve the change and talk about where they will be living and why they are moving, in order to help make the transition smoother. When seniors are asked to leave their longtime homes, a frequent cause of distress is their perceived loss of control, so give your loved one as much choice as possible as they plan and implement the move.

Don’t let guilt guide you

Very often, family members can feel guilt about placing loved ones into assisted living. Guilt will do no good because the move was ultimately for the best. If a family member feels guilt, they should remember that the move to assisted living will benefit their elderly parent’s health and well-being.

Staying in touch

The caregiver also plays a vital role in their aging parent’s successful transition to assisted living. When visiting is not possible, family members can keep in contact with both their parents and the assisted living staff. They should make sure that their parents are socializing and getting involved in the community. When visits are possible, caregivers can even attend activities with their parents to ensure that they are meeting new people.

Give them time and space

Although it is important to visit and/or call to monitor the status of the transition, family members that visit too often can inhibit some of the senior’s independence. Spending time with family is important, but if all of the senior’s time during the transition period is spent with family, they will not be making new friends and getting involved in the community like they should. As a result, don’t hold your parent’s hands too much. Give them space to adjust to their new home on their own.

Make them feel at home

In order to make the elder’s new residence feel like a home, bringing personal items is necessary. Bring items that have personal meaning, including pictures, knick-knacks, medals, etc.

Always remember that if you don’t feel qualified or able to take care of your loved one, we can help. To learn more about our assisted living, long-term living, or rehabilitation services, be sure to give us a call at (937) 319-8924.