How to Talk to Your Children About Your Desire for Assisted Living
In some instances, adult children make the first move about talking to their parents about the prospects of moving to an assisted living residence. On the other hand, there are occasions in which parents broach the subject of moving into an assisted living facility with their children initially. There are a number of points to bear in mind when it comes to taking to your children about your desire to move into an assisted living residence. These are:
- When to talk to your adult children about your desire to move
- Focus on the positive aspects of your plan
- Listen to your family’s thoughts, opinions, and suggestions
- Make sure your family listens to you
- Consider a group versus individual conversation
- Assisted living doesn’t alter relationships
When to Talk to Your Children About Assisted Living
In determining the best time to talk to your children about your desire to move into an assisted living facility, you need to ensure that you are at a point at which you do think this is the best idea for you personally. You do not want to broach the subject if you really are not certain in your own mind about moving into an assisted living residence. In other words, you do not want to be premature in raising the prospect with your children.
Focus on the Positive
When opening a discussion with your children about your interests in moving to an assisted living facility, you should focus on the positive elements of such a plan. There are indeed many ways in which you can benefit by moving into an assisted living residence. These include such things as:
- Improved opportunities for socializing
- Enhanced safety and security
- Opportunities for enrichment
- Opportunities for exercise
- Expeditions about town
Listen to Your Family
When you reach out to your children to discuss residing in an assisted living facility, you not only want to express your thoughts but you want to listen to what your children have to say about the proposition. In addition, you may want to ask your children to do some research about what might be available to you in regard to assisted living residences that might meet your needs. Ultimately, you ideally want to get your children on your team, on your side when it comes to looking into the prospect of moving into an assisted living facility.
Ideally, when all is said and done, you do want your children to support your decision to relocate to an assisted living residence. You want them to work with you to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Make Sure Your Family Listens to You
Beyond listening to your children, you need to make certain that your children listen to you in regard to your thoughts about moving into an assisted living facility. In this regard, you need to do some planning before you begin discussions with your children about the idea of moving into this type of facility.
As mentioned previously, when discussing moving to an assisted living facility, you want to stress the positive when you begin this conversation. You will also want to point out that you recognize that there might be some negative points associated with moving to an assisted living residence. By advising them of potential negative consequences you underscore that you are doing your due diligence in regard to a possible move to this type of assisted living residence.
Consider Group Versus Individual Conversation
The dynamics of your family govern the manner in which you reach out to your children to talk about a possible move to an assisted living residence. For example, the best course of action for you might be to visit with your children one on one. On the other hand, you may want to talk to all of your adult children collectively or at the same time. In some instances, you might want to take an approach that involves a combination of both types of conversations with your children. In the end, the goal is to ensure whatever course you take will make communication about your desire to move as clear and open as possible.
Assisted Living Doesn’t Alter Relationships
Your children may wonder if your moving to an assisted living environment will impact your relationship with them. While there may be some alterations in scheduling of time together, in the grand scheme of things your living in an assisted living residence will not impact your relationship with them.
The fact is that overall your living in an assisted living facility will not impact your relationships with other family members and friends. In fact, because some of your day to day responsibilities will be tended by residence staff, you likely will have more time to spend with friends and family members when living in an assisted living residence.