3 Common Fears Seniors Have About Assisted Living, And How You Can Help Calm Them

According to ALFA.org, the life expectancy for both men and women has increased, so the need to find appropriate care for elderly loved ones is essential. An assisted living facility is one option. 

These facilities provide senior care for elderly loved ones who need more care than they can receive in the home setting or in an independent living facility. Assisted living provides care for your elderly parents who don't need the 24-hour care of a nursing home, but do need assistance with daily living activities. The transition to assisted living may spark fear in your loved ones, so understanding what fears might arise and how to calm them can help make the transition easier.

1: Leaving Their Home Means A Loss Of Independence

Unlike a nursing home, assisted living facilities offer rooms that the resident can make their own. However, the living arrangement can vary by facility. If your parent would like to retain their independence consider one that offers an apartment-like space with a small kitchen area. This allows him or her space to call their own and decorate as they wish. These rooms often have an independent exit and entrance for visitors. 

Floor plans can vary, so allow your parent to look over the options available at different facilities to determine which one is right for him or her. 

2: Assisted Living Means Giving Up Hobbies

Assisted living facilities actually encourage their residents to participate in fun activities, and may even have outdoor activities, like a community garden and fitness programs. They also have indoor activities, like bingo, book clubs, and card games. As long as your elderly loved one is healthy enough to participate in such activities, there is no reason why he or she has to give up a favorite hobby or activity. He or she may even find a new one. Many facilities have a common dining area that is also used for social and recreational activities. 

Before moving into an assisted living facility, allow your parent to visit the grounds and see for themselves what activities are available at that specific residence. Your parent can also talk to facility administrators and ask questions. 

3: Living Away From Family Means Less Help

Assisted living facilities have staff available 24 hours a day to take care of residents' needs. They have safety measures in place to ensure residents' safety in the event of an emergency situation. It is important to explain to your loved one that while you may not be there to help or are a phone call away, he or she has a supportive, caring staff that can help them day or night with any concern or problem. 

Assure your parent that you will visit as much as possible, but you feel confident that the staff can take good care of him or her. If you didn't, you would never suggest they move into the facility. An administrator can discuss safety measures with potential residents and discuss what help is available to ease concerns.

People today lead busy lives, and when an elderly person can no longer live alone, it is not always feasible to rearrange your schedule to provide the help an elderly person needs. Discuss assisted living facilities like Grace Assisted Living with your parent and together you can look into the facilities in your area to find the one that best fits your family's needs.