Talking with your loved one about moving to an Alpharetta, GA assisted living community can be challenging. Change can be a difficult part of life, especially with a highly sensitive topic like moving. These conversations can stir up big emotions for all involved, and that’s okay.Although conversations about change can seem like a daunting task, there are steps you can take to feel more prepared. Read on to find five of our top tips for talking with a loved one about making the move to an assisted living community.
1. Process Your Opinions and Emotions First
The first step toward a fruitful conversation starts with you. There may be particular thoughts, opinions and feelings you hold toward the idea of assisted living communities. These could be based on depictions from movies, books, social media, or stories you’ve heard from others.
Perhaps you feel disappointed that you are no longer able to care for your loved one on your own. Maybe you feel upset at the thought of them having to leave their current home or you’re afraid of them being “stuck” in a stuffy room all day if they move into senior living.
Remember that it is okay to feel however you feel, but that there is also a chance some of your preconceived notions are based on false assumptions. Not all assisted living facilities are drab and boring like the media often conveys. Some, like Arbor Terrace Crabapple, are filled with a fun and heartfelt community that creates a joyful environment for residents and staff alike.
2. Do Your Own Research
Once you have taken the time to sort through your own opinions and emotions, we encourage you to begin researching local senior living communities to find out more. This can be done online or in-person; however, we recommend starting your search online to first narrow down your choices.
Not all senior living options are the same. Some offer apartment style living while others have individual or shared rooms. Each community has a different style and feel to it, so it’s important to find the one that’s just right for your loved one.
Beyond differences in outward appearance, there are also differences in available amenities, services, care offerings, dining options, pricing, and much more. It’s imperative to make sure the assisted living community offers what your loved one wants and needs. If you have further questions that aren’t answered on their website, it may be helpful to send an email or call to speak with a team member.
3. Get Input From Other Loved Ones and Caregivers
Talking to others who care deeply about your loved one can also help you prepare. They likely hold their own opinions about senior living communities and what is best for your loved one as well. Hearing their input may provide a new perspective or validate your current feelings – talking about this transparently is the only way to truly find out.
Chatting with friends or family who have navigated the world of senior living before can be another helpful way to guide your search. Although everyone’s journey is unique, hearing their experience may provide helpful insight. Hearing testimonials from residents and their families who have chosen to live in a specific senior living community can also showcase honest pros and cons.
4. Enter Conversations with Empathy
Just as you may have felt uneasy in the beginning stages of considering assisted living communities for your loved one, others might feel this way, too.
Whenever you have conversations about senior living options or change in general, it’s essential to begin them from a place of understanding and continue them with empathy. Everyone processes their emotions in different ways and at different rates. Having a little extra patience during these conversations can make the situation easier and more positive for everyone – including yourself.
5. Visit an Assisted Living Community Nearby
Once you have decided that assisted living may be the best option for your loved one, it’s time to take your research one step further. Scheduling a tour of a nearby assisted living community is the best way to get a true idea of what daily life is like there. Some tours even include a meal so you can also be a part of their dining experience.
Many people like to schedule a tour on their own before bringing their loved one as a way to ensure the community in question is truly a good fit for them before you bring them along. This also gives you time to ask any sensitive questions that you would like to have answered more privately. Once you have seen the neighborhood, met the staff, and gotten an overall feeling about the community, then you will know if it is worth the time of bringing your loved one for a tour as well.
We hope these tips have equipped you to more confidently consider if the journey toward an Alpharetta, GA assisted living community is right for your loved one and how to talk with them about their options. Still searching for more guidance? Check out our free guide: Talking to Your Parent About Senior Care and Living.
