As children, our parents are our number one support system. They raise us, teach us right from wrong, and love us unconditionally as we grow up and become self-sufficient adults. However, when your parent starts to grow older, the tables begin to turn: you might notice that they require extra help with their daily routines. 

It can be a challenge for a son or daughter to take on the responsibilities of a caregiver. As much as you love your parent and want to give them the respect, dignity, and assistance they deserve, you might be busy with your career, family, or other life responsibilities. 

If this is the case for your family, it might be time to talk to your parent about making the move to an assisted living community. Senior living communities are wonderful environments for older adults, whether they want to enjoy their post-retirement years without worrying about home maintenance or enjoy the benefits, amenities, and activities of a community setting while receiving daily assistance. 

Brickmont Assisted Living wants our assisted living residents in Georgia to live where they’re loved! Our team is passionate about providing genuine care, service, and the resources you need to make the best decision for your parent’s needs and lifestyle.

Noticing the Signs

Having an open conversation about senior care, most specifically assisted living, is best done as soon as you start noticing issues. This way, there’s time to come up with a plan while your parent can still live independently to avoid any injuries or difficulties performing daily tasks. 

Until then, it’s best to keep an eye out for certain signs that warrant the beginning of a conversation. Here are a few examples:

Noticeable Lack of Hygiene

Self-neglect is defined by the National Adult Protective Services Association as “a person’s inability, due to physical or mental impairment or diminished capacity, to perform essential self-care tasks.” When you notice signs of poor hygiene (like unkempt hair or unsanitary living conditions), this is a significant sign that your parent needs support and assistance with daily tasks. 

Brickmont Assisted Living offers minimal assistance and 24/7 attention to help residents with activities of daily living like dressing, bathing, personal grooming, and so much more. 

Signs of Depression or Isolation

Social isolation has been linked to chronic health conditions like heart disease and cancer, as well as cognitive decline and dementia. If your parent has few social ties or doesn't want to put themselves in an engaging social situation with friends or family due to personal issues, an assisted living community is a wonderful way to ensure they get the social interaction that’s crucial for a happy and fulfilling life. 

Brickmont Assisted Living understands that friendships and connections are the cornerstones of happiness and well-being at any age! Our living spaces are designed to promote social interaction, and our Life Enrichment activities are an excellent way to meet friendly faces.  

Forgetfulness

From unopened and unpaid bills to medication management, if your parent is consistently forgetting to complete important tasks, or forgetting important dates, assisted living in Georgia might be a great option to ensure they have reminders and help every day. Forgetfulness is a natural part of aging, but in some cases, consistent lapses of memory could be a sign of early-onset dementia. Check with a care provider to see if this is something your parent might be going through. 

Opening the Discussion

It’s important to remember that although moving to an assisted living community can seem daunting at first, this is the first step of an exciting journey for your parent that can change and benefit their life! The best way to begin the conversation is to discuss your parent’s needs and wants for a care community. Think about these key points when coming up with a list of questions:

• What current aspects of their lifestyle do they want the community to reflect?
• What tasks and self-care do they need assistance with?
• What current fears and doubts are they carrying in regard to the moving process?

This conversation needs to be a two-way street, meaning that you should refrain from talking down to your parent or making the decision for them. Instead, stay positive and assure them you are here for them. Here are some suggestions for making sure that the discussion goes smoothly:

• Use a calm and supportive tone, and be sure to ask your parent questions about how they’re feeling, as well as what they’re looking for within a community and a care plan.
• Highlight the amenities and benefits of moving to an assisted living community, like dining options, beautiful apartments, and a fun social calendar, just to name a few.
• Listen to their concerns, fears, and questions, and be sure to validate their feelings every step of the way. 

Remember that your parent is facing a situation that can be challenging: packing up and moving from their home can be sad, and admitting that they’ve reached a point where they need help with activities of daily living is difficult for anyone to do. Let your parent know you are there for them to navigate this journey, and together, you can figure out the best possible care plan. 

We invite you to discover Brickmont Assisted Living in Georgia, where we know you’ll love where you live, by visiting our website.