Written on July 26, 2024, by Peter Hayes, President Senior Care Relations
Peter Hayes is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and founder of Senior Care Relations
Sometimes the hardest thing when determining what to do with an aging loved one is simply convincing them that assisted living is the best choice. How do you do this?
APPEALING WORDS
Well, you must make someone understand the many perks of assisted living facilities. First, I think calling it a community, rather than a facility, makes it ten times more appealing. “Mom, I’ve found this wonderful community.” That just rolls off your tongue so much better. Community also creates intrigue. It makes you wonder what exactly this place may have to offer.
THE PERKS OF A SENIOR LIVING COOMUNITY
Most assisted living communities have similar things to offer. It just depends on each person’s individual needs.
For example, for mom or dad who is fatigued by the upkeep of his or her home and daily life, the number one feature to list may be onsite maintenance, hot/home cooked meals, or even laundry services that include folding and putting the clothing items away.
For those having difficulty keeping up with their bills, it may be all inclusive rates where all fees are paid to one place. It could be the ability for you as their loved one to set up an autopay cycle.
Don’t forget, if they plan to sell their current home then they will no longer need to worry about paying taxes on that property. In an assisted living community, you will rent the apartment and the rent includes all the perks and you are not responsible for any property taxes.
SENIOR CAREGIVING – A PERK OF RECEIVING ASSISTANCE WHEN NEEDED!
For those who have difficulty with things that seem easy to your average person, such as dressing or bathing, the idea of onsite staff to assist with these things becomes huge. This is also an excellent feature to list for those that do not want to burden you as their son or daughter. Staff often become like family to your loved one as they assist them with their ted hose or with washing their back or maybe their feet in the shower. As a caretaker, you will find that assistance in these tasks often causes a reduction in falls as well. This could lead to better health and less hospitalizations or emergency room trips.
RELATIONSHIPS AND CONNECTIONS
The last selling point is possibly the most important. I find that many people are lonely in their home. I know one lady for example is extremely lonely at times. She will tell you herself that her days consist of minimal interaction with other individuals. Her typical outings include church, the hairdresser and medical appointments. An amazing part of assisted living communities that most people don’t realize is increased interaction. From the staff to other people their age, an assisted living community can be an amazing place to make people feel young again. Most assisted living communities offer outings, such as going to a restaurant or an event in town. They have on-site hairdressers, medical professionals such as a Medical Director or a Nurse Practitioner who round in the community on a routine basis as well as on-site church services in some cases. There are often groups created for the residents by the residents. I’ve seen these often include gardening, exercise, book, and writing clubs. This allows for friendship at an age where new friendship doesn’t seem like an option anymore. As a long-term care administrator, I’ve seen new love blossom, new friendships take place, and people who are living at home independently prior become thriving adults who enjoy going out again.
THE FIRST STEP IS HAVING AN INITIAL CONVERSATION
Assisted living communities bring new life and new independence to those who may have forgotten existed. It’s a beautiful thing to watch so don’t be afraid to initiate a conversation with your loved ones. Speak with a caring heart, listen to understand, and unfortunately, you must acknowledge that you may receive push back. If you do receive resistance, let it rest for the moment and circle back around at a more appropriate time.
At Senior Care Relations, we are here to provide you and your loved ones with information about assisted living. We don’t charge a fee to meet and understand your situation. Our goal is for you to be well informed and understand the options that are available within each community that you are considering. You won’t be pushed or persuaded to make a decision. We want for you to find comfort and peace in whatever you choose.
My goal is to bring this to everyone that I work with. My goal is to allow someone to find their new forever home and to be content in their new setting. My goal is to place people where they are comfortable and happy. My goal is to make people realize that this is all possible in the right assisted living community. We just have to find which one is right for you.
If you live in the Roanoke, Salem, Botetourt, NRV, or other surrounding areas in Virginia and you are looking to gather more information about assisted living or other care options for you or a loved one, feel free to email us at info@seniorcarerelations.com or call us at (540) 730-1001. We are here to help you along your care journey!