Lakewood assisted living opportunities can help older individuals become part of a new community that is more suitable to fit their needs in their current stage of life. However, it can be difficult to help people who are struggling with mental health challenges, such as dementia, understand the benefits that come with assisted living. Understanding the basics of how to tell a parent with dementia they are going to assisted living can help ease the process.
Preparing for the Conversation With Your Loved One
It is important to adequately prepare for the conversation with your loved one that they will be going to assisted living. This can ensure that the conversation goes ideally. You should consider certain scenarios that could play out and practice how to adequately address them. Generally, it is recommended to take the following steps when preparing to talk with your loved one about moving to assisted living:
- Speak with medical professionals. By working with mental and physical healthcare professionals who are close to your loved one, you can get key insights into whether assisted living is optimal for your situation. In some cases, they may be useful to have as another participant in the conversation.
- Vet different assisted living centers. By conducting a thorough online search, you can determine a few assisted living centers that could be a good fit for your loved one. Visit different assisted living centers to determine which ones offer dementia care for your loved one. You should also see if they have a warm and welcoming environment that they will be comfortable in.
- Collect associated details. After you have decided on a few centers that might be a good fit for your loved one, it’s important to gather information about the associated benefits and details about each center. Be sure to note the advantages of assisted living, such as social activities, a close-knit community, and comfort.
By adequately preparing for the conversation with your loved one and having key details upfront, you can help steer the outcome to be more positive and accepted. By practicing what you are going to say with other people, you can prepare yourself to handle different responses that your parent may have.
Having the Conversation With Your Parent
As soon as you feel adequately prepared, it is important to approach your loved one at a time when they are calm and happy as well as in a setting where they feel safe. Use the following strategies during the conversation:
- Speak clearly and simply. Use simple language so that your parent can understand the intent of the conversation.
- Highlight the advantages of assisted living. By focusing on the positive aspects that come with assisted living, such as social activities and enhanced healthcare support, you can help your parent see how assisted living would be beneficial for them.
- Empower them in the decision-making process. Consider going on tours to different assisted living centers with your loved one. Let them be an active participant in the vetting and decision-making process. By giving them a sense of control over the situation, they will be more likely to react positively to the outcome.
It is common for loved ones to experience feelings of hurt or worry after they are informed that they will be moving to assisted living. Therefore, it is critical to maintain a compassionate demeanor and be patient with them. Help them understand that they are not being abandoned and that you and the family will continue to see them regularly and be active in their life.
FAQs
Q: What Are Two Things You Shouldn’t Say to Someone With Dementia?
A: When interacting with individuals who have dementia, there are several statements or phrases that should be avoided so that the individual does not feel pressured or judged. First, laying guilt or blame by asking questions such as, “What is your problem?” can easily hurt their feelings. Second, saying, “Are you sure you don’t remember that?” can cause embarrassment if they aren’t able to recall what happened.
Q: How Do You Tell a Dementia Patient That They Are Moving to Assisted Living?
A: Make sure to tell the patient at an optimal time, when they are calm and in a good mood, that they are moving to assisted living. Be sure to use clear language that reasonably explains why it is beneficial for them to move to a new living situation, highlighting key advantages such as community and support.
If the person reacts negatively, it is important to be reassuring and comforting. Tell them that you understand their feelings and that they will continue to be surrounded by loved ones.
Q: How Do You Convince a Parent With Dementia to Go to Assisted Living?
A: You can increase your chances of convincing a parent to go to assisted living by keeping them involved in tours of assisted living centers and including them in the decision-making process. This will give them feelings of being in control of the situation. When discussing the prospect of assisted living, it is useful to focus on the available advantages, such as comfort, a close-knit community, and social activities.
Q: What Are the Three Golden Rules of Dementia?
A: The three golden rules of dementia are:
- Avoid asking direct questions.
- Meet the dementia patient where they are in a conversation.
- Don’t contradict statements made by the individual with dementia.
As it can be distressing for individuals with dementia to realize that they cannot remember certain things, it is important to focus more on the feelings that your statements may generate rather than the facts. This can ensure their comfort and mental health.
Ensure That Your Loved One With Dementia Gets the Personal Care They Need
Not only is it difficult for a parent with dementia to end up going to assisted living, but it is also challenging for the children in the family. The transition period to assisted living can be emotionally charged and associated with feelings of guilt and insecurity. However, it is critical to remember that the benefits of assisted living can contribute to the safety and comfort of your loved one.
The dedicated team at Rocky Mountain Assisted Living is ready to care for your parent. Our staff is deeply aware of the challenges associated with dementia, and we have extensive experience working with patients who struggle with this mental health disorder. We care for our patients as if they were family. Contact us today to discuss living options for your loved one.