Approaching Assisted Living Conversations With Empathy

Sixty-seven percent of seniors between the ages of 65 and 74 haven't talked about aging living conditions, according to a survey by Independent Age. It's often due to a sense of fear, anxiety, or discomfort about the topic from both the seniors and their families.

The problem is that this can lead to unsafe situations and a lowered level of health for seniors.

Talking about the need for assisted living can bring lasting benefits and improvements, but it's not always easy to start the conversation. Don't worry -- we're here to guide you through the process. Keep reading to learn how to approach the topic with grace so you can ensure better conditions for the senior in your life!

Understand the Situation

Before jumping into elder care discussions, you need to have a general understanding of the entire situation. Take the time to notice if there's been a decline in your loved one's mental or physical health. Keep track of how they perform daily tasks and manage medication.

You also should learn the general services and amenities of senior communities so you can share the information with your loved one during the conversation.

Going into an emotional discussion without preparing can make it difficult to focus on the most important things, such as a senior's health, safety, and happiness.

Right Time and Place

Discussing senior care can be tricky, but one of the best things you can do to pave the way toward a calm conversation is to pick an effective time and place. It won't do anyone any good if you start talking about living conditions in the middle of a family gathering or a public place.

It's better to find a time where everyone involved has privacy, comfort, and calm. When people feel at ease and not put on the spot, they're often more receptive to difficult topics.

You know your loved one best. Set the conversation up for success. It will help prevent flares of anxiety and denial from getting in the way of important issues.

Use Open-Ended Questions

Family conversations about senior living need to include a lot of open-ended questions. These types of questions keep the discussion flowing and prevent awkward silences. They help seniors to express themselves in more ways than simply saying 'yes' or 'no'.

For example, "Which amenities are most important to you?" is a better question than "Do you prefer a community with a kitchenette?". The first opens up the discussion, whereas the second can end with a simple single-word answer.

This tactic of using open-ended questions will help you understand your loved one's point of view. It can help find the right senior community for their specific needs and desires.

Avoid Judgment or Criticism

Even the best intentions can sometimes sound like a criticism or judgment. The senior in your life might struggle with medication management, for example, but try to avoid stating it as a judgment. You want to voice concerns, not criticize their abilities.

This kind of interaction can put a senior on edge right away. They might stop engaging in the conversation or turn combative against the idea entirely.

Remember to go into this conversation with a calm head. It'll give better results for everyone involved.

Engage in Active Listening

Do you know how to actively listen to another person? If not, this is a good time to learn. It's almost impossible to show empathy in caregiving if you don't participate in active listening.

During the conversation, make sure to showcase your engagement by:

Establishing good eye contact
Reflecting upon what the other person said
Repeating important phrases or revelations
Avoiding distractions
Giving the other person the time they need to respond

Acknowledge Fears and Concerns

Sometimes hearing another person's fears and concerns can put us on edge, but you can't ignore such vital opinions. Even if you don't have the answers, acknowledge the problem and promise that you'll work through it together.

Knowing that they're not alone in this transition can go a long way in making seniors feel better about moving into assisted living.

Also, feel free to share some of your fears and concerns in return. This can help build a stronger connection between you and your loved one. It can show the other person another perspective that'll allow them to think of the situation in a different and more accepting way.

Share Success Stories

Transitioning to assisted living can be a huge change, and some seniors can find it overwhelming. A useful way to help smooth out those fears is to bring success stories to the discussion.

You can show your loved one all of the exciting things that other seniors enjoy daily. Fun activities, community outings, and unique events can turn anxiety into anticipation.

Bring them to some of the local senior communities so they can talk with the residents. They'll get the chance to see for themselves that it's not as frightening as they may think.

Keep Everyone Involved

Assisted living communication doesn't end once the big conversation is over. It's vital to a senior's happiness to be involved in the process of moving into assisted living.

Being denied that involvement can cause resentment -- potentially to both the chosen senior community and the family as a whole. It could result in a poor transition before any moving begins.

Make sure your loved one is an active part of the planning every step of the way. They'll maintain their independence and it'll make them more open to the transition.

Consider Assisted Living at Liberty Court

To help build excitement toward the transition to assisted living, make sure to find a local community that's thriving and unique.

Liberty Court is a Dixon, IL, senior community that seeks to make every resident feel comfortable and at ease. Making the transition is a big change for the whole family, and we can be there to assist you. Our community is full of friendly staff, engaging activities, fun events, and personalized care that you can rely on.