When a parent or loved one is in the midst of making the move into an assisted senior living community, you are both likely to feel a wide spectrum of emotions. For example, you may feel relieved knowing that Mom or Dad will get the care and support they need to lead a safe, healthy lifestyle. Both of you may also feel excited about your parent’s opportunities to socialize and make new friends. However, your parent may also feel reluctant or fearful at the idea of making such a significant change.
All of these feelings and emotions are understandable, but you have to know how to approach them so they don’t hold your loved one back from making a transition that will enhance their quality of life.
Brickmont Assisted Living has senior communities across Georgia, and our team is sharing how you can help your parent manage and overcome their fear of moving into an assisted living community.
Understand Their Feelings
The only way to help your mom or dad manage or overcome their fear of making the transition into an assisted senior living community is to find out what is causing their reluctance. Take the time to talk to your parent, letting them know their feelings are valid. Ask them questions and listen to what your loved one has to say so you can figure out the underlying reasons behind their fear of moving.
Everyone has their own hesitations, but a few common concerns individuals have when it comes to making this transition include:
- Fear of losing independence
- The thought of being forgotten
- Financial concerns
- Not wanting to leave their current home
Provide Reassurance
While your parent’s feelings are valid, common myths and misconceptions about what life is like in assisted senior living communities may be heightening their fears for no reason. Depending on what is holding your loved one back, it is important to empathize with their situation and provide reassurance.
For example, if your mom or dad is fearful that they will lose their independence by transitioning into an assisted living community, you can explain why this is simply not true. In fact, this transition can actually help them maintain and enhance their independence. By providing them with the care and support in the areas they need, your parent will have more free time to pursue their interests and hobbies.
Another common fear of transitioning into an assisted living community that individuals have is that they will be forgotten by their families. This concern is often up to a person’s loved ones to put their mind at ease.
Like Brickmont Assisted Living in Georgia, many assisted living communities encourage family involvement. We always welcome family participation in community activities and invite family members to join their loved ones for a meal. If you have a weekly dinner with your parent now, that should not stop just because they are moving. Reassure them that you will visit and call often.
Get Familiar with the New Community
Often, a lot of the reluctance comes from fear of the unknown. This is why it can be helpful to familiarize yourself and your parent with their new assisted living community prior to moving day. If you visit the community before the move and participate in the activities that they offer, your parent has the opportunity to meet team members and residents as well as “get the lay of the land.” This way, they will already have established friendships and a sense of familiarity on moving day.
Moving into an assisted living community is a big step, but your parent should not be fearful of making this transition. Instead, take your time and be there to support them throughout this process.
Our team at Brickmont Assisted Living can also help ease your loved one’s transition into their new community. Learn more about our assisted living communities in Georgia and what we have to offer by visiting our website or contacting a member of our team.
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