How to Discuss Independent Living With Loved Ones

After decades spent caring for others, it can be difficult for senior loved ones to accept that it is their turn to be taken care of. A lifetime of hard work and overcoming hardships brings many seniors pride in their accomplishments and story. However, accepting their transition into their golden years can feel like an affront to their dignity while triggering common fears about the aging process. This may include discussing the idea of assisted or independent living near New Orleans. With the right approach, seniors can enter this chapter of their lives feeling confident. Here is some advice for the loved ones of seniors when discussing senior care options from The Windsor Senior Living.

Do Your Research

Come prepared with the research already planned, but don’t make it feel like an ambush. Keep the conversation regarding independent living casual while offering information such as nearby senior living communities near New Orleans, what they offer, and how they can benefit your loved one. You may be able to alleviate some of the objections they have toward senior living by listening to their concerns and correcting common misconceptions about senior living. It isn’t uncommon for people to mistake senior living as a dull and unwelcoming place when it couldn’t be further from the truth. 

If you are worried about forgetting essential information, create talking points. This can ground you in the face of heavy emotions or attempts to derail the conversation.

Remain Positive and Avoid Scare Tactics 

Be aware of your tone and how this affects your loved ones. The loved ones you are approaching this topic with might have taken the time to teach you manners and a respectful attitude during your upbringing. This is the perfect time to demonstrate all they have taught you. By discussing the possibility of independent living with sensitivity, patience, and respect, your loved ones may be more receptive to the idea. Remember that the framing of the discussion can make a massive impact. 

Your loved one may initially have a negative response. Therefore, it is wise to remain positive—even when it is difficult. Steer the tone away from negative phrasing based on fear by framing the move into independent living as a period of worry-free relaxation. Many residents wish they moved into senior living communities sooner after they experienced how enjoyable the experience can be. 

This is why scare tactics aren’t a great approach. Your loved one is already worried enough about the changes altering their lives. There is no reason to use scare tactics that may push them away from you or cause unnecessary strife. Senior living communities aim to alleviate those worries, not enhance them.

Allow Yourself to Be Vulnerable

Watching a loved one struggle to maintain their lifestyle as they age can be heartbreaking. It is time to be honest and open about why you want them to move into assisted or independent living near New Orleans. If you are open with your emotions, they are more likely to be vulnerable with you. It may be easier to be realistic about the challenges they suffer while attempting to maintain their lifestyles.

Listen to Their Concerns

Don’t ignore their concerns. Be willing to explore their alternatives. No one wants to feel as though their freedom is being taken away. By listening to their problems, you can work together and develop solutions. Just be patient as it may take time for them to come to the idea. 

Remember—while you are a team, this is their future. Why should they listen to your concerns if you aren’t offering the same courtesy? Put yourselves in their shoes. You would be reluctant to a massive life change as well. Home is where the heart is. It’s comfortable. It’s familiar during a chapter constantly presenting new, unfamiliar limitations. Remind them that you will support them every step of the way as they transition into independent living.

Be Willing and Ready to Make This a Continuous Conversation 

Don’t be afraid to take breaks from the conversation and revisit it another day. If you press on something too hard, it may break. You can’t force them to share your opinion. Even worse, pushing too hard against their boundaries could damage your relationship. Eventually, tensions may climb to the point that the mere mention of senior living triggers an argument. Neither side listening to the other at that point, and no progress can be made. Approach the subject with patience and sensitivity, and give your loved one the time they deserve to process the idea of independent living.

Interested in Researching Your Options for Independent Living Near New Orleans? The Windsor Senior Living Wants to Help. 

The Windsor Senior Living Community is a premier and respected independent and assisted living community for those seeking exceptional senior care. We help our residents live and focus on the life they want by alleviating areas of difficulty and stress. In addition to taking the weight of responsibilities off their shoulders, our community is bursting with fun activities and events to help the social lives of our residents flourish. If you have any questions, we can be contacted by calling 985-624-8040 or messaging us online. Let us help make this transition into independent living near New Orleans easier for you and your loved one. 

Nursing Home Alternatives: What Are Your Options?

the  When one thinks of senior care, people often think of nursing homes. While nursing homes are an excellent option for many, it is not ideal for all seniors. If you or a loved one is seeking nursing home alternatives for senior care near Covington, use this guide from The Windsor Senior Living Community to understand your options.

If you or a loved one is seeking nursing home alternatives for senior care near Covington, use this guide from The Windsor Senior Living Community to understand your options.

In-Home vs. Residential Senior Care

For the most part, senior care is divided between in-home and residential care. Every senior is different with their own unique needs, circumstances, and financial limitations. Therefore, deciding if in-home or residential care is more appropriate for your needs is a personal decision that requires careful consideration. 

In-Home Care Options

Commonly, individuals refer to in-home senior care as aging in place. This route allows seniors to pursue individualized care options while remaining in the comfort of their own homes. Individuals retain their daily routines and familiar comforts through the care of hired help, programs, or loved ones. Typically, it is a more affordable option. This is because you can restrict your professional care expenses by only hiring a part-time caretaker. Although this is a luxury many do not have, a loved one most commonly assumes the primary caregiver role. However, it is rare for a senior’s support system not to rely on some level of professional care. According to a survey by Genworth, in-home care costs around $5,000 per month nationally. For those opting for home caregiving, these are the most popular nursing home alternatives. 

Adult Daycare

While family often comes together to care for their senior loved ones, they still have responsibilities that may pull them away from home during the day. Fortunately, adult daycare is an excellent option for those who need care while their family caregivers are busy during the day. 

Medicaid HCBS

Medicaid Home & Community-Based Services Waivers is a program for Medicaid recipients to receive care services and non-medical support. You can hire family members as providers as it can be difficult balancing a career while providing full-time care. This depends on the service and state. Unfortunately, enrollment is limited and often has a waiting list. 

Medicaid PACE

Medicare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly programs provide a selection of care services for individuals requiring the level of care in nursing homes. It offers a team of caregivers to work with your family to create a care regiment that the senior needs. However, participants rarely have a say in who their providers are and may be required to travel inconvenient distances to find treatment and care under their coverage. 

Medical Alert Systems and Wellness Alarms

Medical alert systems and wellness cameras have been helpful for many families who only need a light level of care. You can consider this option for those who can be left alone comfortably but may need to alert emergency services. 

Residential Senior Care Options

For many, aging in place is not possible or the right option for the needs of your loved one, and senior residential care may be more suitable. Unfortunately, it is common for seniors to avoid moving into assisted care because they fear giving up their homes, personal freedom, and privacy. Luckily, many residential senior care options will quickly feel like home and encourage individual freedom. 

Adult Foster Care

For those looking to age in a small, family environment, adult foster care homes may be the right option. They offer a family-like living experience to a small group of seniors in a private home. Typically up to six seniors live together communally and share meals and free time as you would with family. Unfortunately, adult foster care doesn’t offer the same amenities or social opportunities as senior living communities. And, medical care rarely goes beyond assistance with medication. 

Senior Living Communities

Senior living communities are the ideal choice for those who want to maintain the lifestyle they look forward to during retirement. In communities like The Windsor, residents live in their private apartments with independent and assisted care plans to choose from. You can add supplementary services off our A La Carte menu as needed.

Outside the apartment, residents enjoy a fun and social community. Many quickly grow to adore the community the second they move in. Our social events and activities team plans a schedule filled with entertainment for every interest our residents may have. Living in senior communities perfectly balances independence, entertainment, and senior care. For more information about why senior living communities might be the perfect choice, The Windsor has written more helpful information on our blog

Do Senior Living Communities Sound Like the Right Nursing Home Alternative for You?

Senior living communities are an extremely popular alternative for those not interested in a nursing home for their senior care near Covington. Often these communities are the most reasonable and beneficial option for seniors who want to maintain their lifestyle without challenges. The Windsor is here to help our residents regain autonomy over the lives they cherish. If you have any questions or want to set up a tour, please call us at 985-624-8040 or send us a message online. We hope to hear from you soon.