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.