How to Avoid Tiptoeing Around the Topic of Assisted Living

January 28, 2021 by ·

The entire topic of assisted living might not be easy for some people to hear. People of advancing years, perhaps your parents or grandparents, have lived vibrant, fulfilled lives up until this point in time. Yet, you notice the challenges they are facing. 

And those challenges are increasing daily. 

You know assisted living would be a great option for them, but even if you whisper something along the lines of assisted living to them, they shut you down. Maybe they even shut you out. 

 

This causes many people to have to tiptoe around the topic.

Assisted Living Citronelle, AL: Topic of Assisted Living

You may skirt around the edges of the subject regarding assisted living or other options, but don’t come right out and say it. Maybe you witnessed your sister get into an argument with your mother over it and decided to take a different approach. 

If you truly want to avoid this tiptoeing dance with your elderly mother or father, or both, below are a few ideas that can help you dive right in and talk about the subject without fear. 

 

First, focus on quality of life. 

Everyone wants the highest quality of life they can enjoy. That doesn’t change just because you’re 65, 75, 85, or even 95. People want to enjoy various things in life, whether it’s traveling, hobbies, or company with loved ones. 

Unfortunately, as people get older their abilities to take care of themselves, their home environment, and others around them decline. There’s no getting around that fact. The older you get, the more difficult it will be to keep up with basic things of daily life. 

If you focus on the quality of life that has been in decline, that these aging seniors well know about and feel every day, it may seem to be beating them down, but it’s actually about turning the conversation toward assisted living. 

 

Second, be supportive and listen. 

As you talk about quality of life, some things these aging seniors in your life could still do with the right support, make sure you do so in a supportive manner. 

That means listen. 

It’s easy to get caught up in this idea you are right all the time, especially about this, but that doesn’t mean you should stop listening. Your elderly mother or father or other senior has valuable insights and experiences to share. Listen to them. 

 

Third, once you have broached these topics, hit assisted living home. 

When you address the challenges, the lower quality of life, and the missed opportunities they are facing each day, you can immediately pivot toward assisted living. 

Do this in a way that is positive. Be excited about what assisted living can offer them. This way, they will understand that it’s not about the end of their life, but about improving the quality of it now. 

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living near Citronelle, AL, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living at 251-317-3017. 

Filed Under: Assisted Living Citronelle AL, Topic of Assisted Living · Tagged: ,
About Cindy Johnson

Ashbury Manor’s Administrator since 2008, Cindy Johnson is a long-time expert in the assisted living field. Prior to her arrival at Ashbury Manor, Cindy managed acquisitions and crisis management for existing and new larger senior care project developments for eleven years. As regional manager for an Oregon-based assisted living management company, Cindy was directly responsible for operations for five 50-65 bed assisted living facilities. As manager during the transition to new ownership, Cindy reorganized internal operations and conducted leadership training for Executive Directors. As a result of her management and expertise, one of the company’s facilities (in Ocala, Florida) received a deficiency-free survey, resulting in the lifting of a moratorium on operation.

A nurse for 36 years, senior care has always been Cindy’s passion. Desiring to work more closely with residents, Cindy became a Category II Administrator in 2005. As Ashbury Manor’s Administrator, Cindy understands the complexities associated with dementia and cognitive impairment and she has fallen in love with seniors with dementia or cognitive impairment and their families.

Cindy is Treasurer of the local “Senior Coalition” chapter. She enjoys mentoring new candidates who want to become administrators.

As a 16-bed facility, with Cindy's training and experience, our residents and their families can be sure Ashbury Manor’s carefully selected staff provides the expertise of a larger facility while maintaining the individualized personal care of a small special needs home.
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