How to Help The Elderly Adjust to Assisted Living

Convincing an elderly person to give up independence and move into elderly care can be a difficult task. Many older people simply do not want to face the fact that they can no longer take care of themselves and feel that by moving into care, they will be giving up their independence.  Families are often the ones who have to convince them that life in elderly care will still be meaningful.

They are also faced with the challenge of finding the perfect place to help with the care. Below are 15 tips for transitioning into elder care that are sure to help ease what can be a challenging situation.

  • Begin the process by talking with the elderly person about the upcoming change. This is the most important step in having a successful transition.  Don’t spring the topic on the elderly person. Find a gentle way to bring up the conversation. It is likely already a sore subject.

 

  • Allow the elderly in your life to have a voice. You want to be sure to include the elderly in every decision you make regarding the change.  They, too, need to have a voice. What needs or desires do they have?  Make sure you allow their voice to be heard.

 

  • Not all elderly care facilities are created equally. Realize that not every facility offers the same care.  Some will offer better care for others.  Set out to find the best facility that you possibly can to make the transition easier on the elderly person in your life.

 

  • Explore your options. There are several different types of facilities to choose from. Will he or she need assisted living or full care? The answer to this question will help determine what kind of facility you need to look for.

 

  • What activities will be available for the elderly to add to their quality of life? Be sure that the facility you choose has their best interest at heart. There should be plenty of activities to take part in each day.

 

  • Determine how helpful the support system at the facility will be. If you can, try to get a fill for what the workers are like in the facility. After all, they will likely be spending more time with them than with you.

 

  • Get advice from people who have gone through similar situations. Many people have made the transition. Find someone that you trust to help you make the right decision.

 

  • Safety should always be of key concern. How safe the facility is should be your number one concern. You want a facility whose workers have a proven history with working with the elderly.

 

  • Don’t let YOUR emotions make the situation worse. Try not to feel guilty for making the decision.  Many times, you don’t have a choice in the matter.

 

  • Analyze how much the facility will cost. Cost is often a deciding factor in what facility you will choose.  If you can’t afford a certain facility, don’t beat yourself up over it.

 

  • Focus on allowing the elderly person as much independence as possible. The more independence you allow the person to have, the better off he or she will be.  Try to keep independence as the main focus of the transition.

 

  • Take things slow. Realize that it could take some time for the elderly person to understand what is happening and why it must happen. Give them time.

 

  • Make the effort to stay involved. Let him or her know that you are not going to disappear from their life.  Older people often have the misperception that they will be left in the home all alone.

 

  • Encourage them to make new friends. Friends are an important part of maintaining quality of life.  Go by the facility and give them an opportunity to make friends before the final move.

 

  • Put a positive spin on transitioning into elderly care. Speak highly of moving into the facility.  If you are positive, they will eventually follow.  Negativity can be contagious.

Use the tips above to help you and your loved ones make the transition into elder care.  It is a difficult process but one that many have to face.

The article is contributed by Murano Glass Gifts the home of hand-made murano glass pieces imported from Venice.

Editor: If you’re looking for a lovely hand-made gift that any senior citizen would cherish, check out the Murano. The lovely glass art reminds me of my Aunt Nellie’s collection. Her home featured a number of beautiful creations and have stayed in the family for years.

 

 

photo credit: Jess Rivera via photopin cc

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