| Children of aging parents often struggle when it | | | | overcome with many seniors. To help introduce the |
| comes time to convince Mom or Dad that it is time | | | | new style of senior living, many communities host |
| to downsize and move to senior housing. Whether it | | | | educational classes or fun senior outings for the |
| is to an independent senior apartment or to an | | | | community. Most communities offer free tours that |
| assisted living community or a nursing home; the first | | | | can be scheduled around the lunch hour. Lunch is |
| hurdle is getting your parent to even consider the | | | | included in the tour. One group of senior communities |
| idea as a possibility. Unless it is a crisis situation, it is | | | | in my area is holding a Chef's Competition and inviting |
| better to allow the senior time to get used to the | | | | the community. Check out the senior communities in |
| idea. With time and exposure to the idea, they may | | | | your area. See what activities they are having that |
| even accept the idea of moving as a positive. | | | | your parent might enjoy. |
| Seniors Frequently Resist Change: | | | | Keep the Conversation Low-Key: |
| Think about it. How long have your parents lived in | | | | Unless you are dealing with a crisis situation, keep the |
| their home? What does this home symbolize to | | | | conversation low-key. Parent value their |
| them? What do they feel they are giving up if they | | | | independence as much as we value ours. Introduce |
| move out of their home? Give them time to think | | | | the idea long before it becomes a necessity. Let your |
| about the idea of change. Introduce the idea in a | | | | parents explore their options. Be open to discussing |
| conversational manner. Talk about "what if." Giving | | | | possibilities with your parents. What are their choices? |
| them time to think and consider, allows them the | | | | Some seniors are quite capable of staying in their |
| freedom to come to their own decision. | | | | own homes with just a little outside help. There is no |
| Old Memories | | | | "one size fits all answer." |
| Even though senior living communities have changed | | | | What if They Won't Listen? |
| dramatically over the past few years, many of us still | | | | Remember, unless a parent is mentally incapacitated, |
| have memories of visiting Grandma or Grandpa in | | | | they still have the right to make their own decisions. |
| that depressing Old Folks Home - called a nursing | | | | Just as your parents might not have agreed with all |
| home. I remember visiting my Grandmother; the | | | | the decisions you have made in your life, you may |
| yelling of old people who had "lost their minds" (as | | | | not agree with all the decisions your parents make. |
| my mother explained it); the smell of urine as I | | | | The most important consideration is their safety. If |
| passed certain rooms. Our parents have these | | | | they are adamant about staying in their own home, |
| memories too. Sometimes these memories can be | | | | and they are mentally competent, it is their choice. |
| very vivid. Besides, senior apartments or communities | | | | There are resources available to help seniors stay |
| are for "old people." I heard a great definition of "old" | | | | independent in their own home. Check with your local |
| from a senior: "Old is always 20 years older than I | | | | senior center, the local Area Agency on Aging, or |
| am." | | | | check with a Senior (Elder) Advisor or Geriatric Care |
| Presenting Senior Living as a Possibility: | | | | Manager in your local area. |
| Senior Communities realize the stigma they have to | | | | |