As our loved ones get older it’s a difficult challenge to decide what’s best for them. We want to make sure they are in the best situation possible as they age. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared for when the time comes. Taking steps to prepare for that time is essential for making their life and yours a little easier.

Clues that it’s time

You might have noticed that your parents are starting to need more help. Indications may come that it’s time to discuss other options with your parents when they start to fail at taking their medication, have new health concerns, diminished social interaction, or general confusion.

• Parents are starting to need more help and have a general array of concerns.

Plant seeds

Early on start discussing the benefits of an assisted living facility. Situations such as an injury can create an open window for discussion. Your parent could be complaining about the difficulty in accomplishing everything they need to after an injury. This is a good time to mention that assisted living could help provide extra help to accomplish all those tasks.

• Discuss the benefits of assisted living early on.
• Mention how assisted living can help make their life easier.

Avoid risks

Becoming the sole caregiver for your parents puts you and your loved one at risk. Most times care is provided with little or no support causing pain, depression, and ultimately a burnout. This causes the relationship with your loved one to become more difficult, so a conversation about help early on is vital.

• It’s not healthy to be the sole caregiver for your parent.
• It can put unnecessary stresses on your health and relationship.

How to start the conversation

Starting the conversation about having help provided for your parent can be uncomfortable. Typically, an elderly parent will see it as a threat to their independence or may not know that they need assistance.

The best way to go about this situation is to acknowledge their concern and provide reassurance. The goal is to let them know that you want to provide them their own independence and to live safely and comfortably in a facility. It’s important to emphasize the desire to improve your loved ones well-being.

• Let your parent know that you respect their independence.
• The goal is to provide them a safe and comfortable living space with extra help.

General Guidelines

• Creating an outline: Organize your thoughts may give you something to follow, so you don’t forget important points.

• Important points: Enter the conversation with the most important points, such as safety, freedom, peace of mind, social connection, and being able to make their own choices.

• Reassurance: Being respectful and considerate to your parents needs makes them feel understood. By letting them know you care about how they feel and what they want makes the transition easier.

• Good listener: Being a good listener allows them to talk and express what they want. Allow them to talk and really listen, even if you don’t agree.

• Respect: Your relationship with your parent may change as you take a more active role in their life, but you shouldn’t consider yourself the parent and act like you know what’s best for them. If possible, allow the decision to come naturally.

Entrust of DeSoto: A Resident-centric Memory Care Community in Dallas, Texas

Entrust of DeSoto is a memory care community that puts resident well-being at the center of everything we do. We know that each person is unique. That’s why we offer a wide range of services and lifestyle options to nourish the body and create community.

We understand the importance of home cooked meals and nutrition for seniors and this attitude is reflected in our dining experience. If you or a loved one live near Dallas, Texas and need assisted living, contact Entrust of DeSoto today to learn about our 24-hour care and find out how we can help.

Click here to read the next article in the series: Caring for Your Elderly Parent: Part 2