How to Convince Parents to Send in an Assisted Living Community?

Posted by Kelly Wilson on December 5th, 2019

An assisted living community has been created to benefit those seniors who cannot stay safely in their homes. It is often seen that parents do not agree or hesitate to go to the community. But everyone wants a right community that is best for their parents and this important work has to be done in a very patient way. This is what often happens when you want them to be safe and taken care of, and you suggest an assisted living facility. If your parents are not willing to go to the community then you must explain to your parents why the community is best for them and what benefits they can be obtained. 

1. Fear Could Be Causing Resistance

Fear is the most common reason where parents refuse to leave their home to move into an assisted living community. Some of these are notable like fear of change, fear of the cost, fear of the unknown, fear of not fitting in, fear of losing their independence. These are very legitimate fears, and they should not be minimized, try to empathize with their fears, and not make your parents feel bad for having them. You might say something like you have lived here for a long time. If you support and help your parents then it may be a bit easier to change that fear they have been cherishing for so long. If your parents do not want to move to the community and for whatever reason say that they have many old memories in their own home which they do not want to leave. Now you can answer this question by saying that you are right, but if you remain happy then these good memories will remain with you wherever you go.

2. Parents Do Not Want to Be Told What to Do

Another reason your parents might be resistant to a change is they do not want to be told what to do and especially not by one of their children. Your parents, your suggestions might sound preachy or naggy or bossy the way that you pose your questions could have an impact on how well your parents can hear you and how they are going to respond to you.

3. Do Not Start With Off Question

Never start a sentence with these words of who, what, where, why, or how with your parents. Examples include convictions such as what is going to happen to you, who will look after you, or why you do not listen to me. Sentences starting with these words sound accusatory, and they will immediately put your parents on the defense.

4. Start Your Sentences With "I"

Start your sentences with the word I. For example, I am so worried about you, I want you to be safe and cared for, I am concerned because you are falling. Your parent's doctor can also be an outstanding advocate for moving, and you can ask them ahead of time to bring it up as a suggestion at their next doctor's appointment. If your parent continue to be resistant, then ask them what your concerns are and be ready to respond to any of those fears that mentioned earlier. If they have any questions about assisted living, then you need to be prepared with an answer to their problems. You can visit here if you want to know how an assisted living home work.

5. Your Parent Has the Right to Choose

The most difficult realization for adult children that their parents have a right to make a decision and a choice even if it's not what you want for them and also if it puts them in danger. Sometimes you might have to wait until things get worse before they can get better that means waiting for another fall or another hospitalization or illness. One important thing to remember is that it might take five or ten or fifteen times to bring it up before your parents might agree to make a move. Also, bringing it up once or twice, it's just not enough for some of our parents, so do not give up.