There's plenty to think about when the subject of moving to an assisted living center comes up in family discussion. The Wall Street Journal contemplates some of the issues involved in an article on "having the talk" with parents who are nearing the time to consider making such a move. First up, knowing when to start the conversation. The WSJ article cites the 40/70 rule as a good place to start.
The rule states: If you are 40, and your parent(s) are 70, it's time to have a discussion about assisted living.
While just talking about the transition to a senior facility can seem overwhelming, breaking the process down into manageable tasks, and taking those tasks slowly, in bite-sized pieces, can alleviate the stress of the situation.
Businesses are popping up to assist with the process of making the switch to assisted living. The key, for both the parents making the move, and the family supporting the move, is to form a strategy for timing, belongings to be taken, and centered on an effort to make the new situation familiar and comfortable.
Underlying the strategy should be an encouragement to help elderly parents remain independent as much as possible. The move to assisted living can then start with an identification of the areas where help is needed, and where it is not. This may mean a period of home health care prior to a full transition to a senior living center, or the introduction of home health devices that address the needs of the individual.
The Wall Street Journal article points out that a healthy process can be affected by dementia, which affects the ability of seniors to make decisions, and recognize when they need help. In these cases memory care, or other types of support may be called for to address the impairment.
In all cases, a healthy process of moving toward assisted living involves early, open communication, and a plan to deal with the issues at hand in a way that minimizes the normal effects of stress associated with transition.
The questions on the minds of seniors, and their kids, facing this big step in life are normal and to be expected. "I like my freedom and privacy" is just one of the comments likely to come to light as the discussion unfolds. But it is better to hear the comment early on, when the pressure of decision-making is, perhaps, more at bay, than later, when developments force the conversation.
To succeed at this challenging process, start with a strategy, break down the issues, and find help to address them in the most comfortable manner possible.
What Do You Think?
Have you had "the talk", or are you contemplating starting the process of discussing a move to assisted living? Share your thoughts and experience in our comments section.
(Image courtesy of Emilio Labrador on Flickr)
