As parents and family members age, it’s important to think about the future and the type of support they may need. One option to consider is assisted living, as it provides individuals with the support they need while fostering independence.
However, having the conversation about assisted living with someone you love can be challenging. At Sunscape Daytona Beach™, we know this initial conversation can significantly impact your family’s perception of senior living and your upcoming search for a community.
Our team is sharing tips on how to talk to a family member about Daytona Beach assisted living options with positivity and confidence.
Plan the Conversation
Before you approach your parent or family member about assisted living, take time to plan what you want to say. Think about the benefits of assisted living and how it could enhance their lifestyle. When possible, pull real-life examples into the conversation. For example, if you know that Dad has a harder time completing yardwork or doesn’t enjoy doing it in his retirement, highlight how Daytona Beach assisted living communities are maintenance-free – no more mowing, trimming, or repairing.
Make a list of the reasons why this change is a good idea and consider any objections they may have. This will help you stay focused during the conversation and address any concerns they may have.
Choose the Right Time and Place
Choosing the right time and place to have this conversation is also important. You want to ensure you have enough time to talk and that your family member is in a receptive mood.
Choose a quiet and comfortable place where you will not be interrupted, and avoid having the conversation when your family member is feeling stressed or tired.
You also want to consider who should be involved in the conversation. For instance, your siblings or the siblings of your Mom or Dad to offer support. However, only involve a few people, as this can overwhelm your parent or family member and make them feel ambushed.
Approach the Conversation with Empathy
Approach the conversation with empathy and understanding. This is a significant change for your family member, who may be concerned about leaving their home. Listen to their concerns and validate their feelings.
However, you should also be mindful of what is not being said. Often, what a person holds back is as important as what they say. For example, nonverbal signs and body language like keeping the head down or shifting away from you could signal they’re holding something back or feeling uncomfortable.
Focus on the Benefits
When discussing Daytona Beach assisted living, focus on the benefits it can provide. Explain how it can enhance their lifestyle by providing them the support they need to maintain their independence. Discuss the different services and amenities that are available, such as housekeeping, transportation, and wellness services. Plus, highlight how they will have access to a community of peers and can participate in engaging social programs and events.
Maintaining a positive approach can go a long way in helping this conversation go smoothly.
Involve Your Family Member
Involving your parent or family member in the decision-making process is essential. They should be able to share their concerns and preferences about what they would like in a community. You can then use this information to narrow your search to find the right community for them.
Be Patient
Patience is essential for this conversation. Do not push your parent or family member to make a decision immediately. Give them time to process and discuss it with other family members or friends.
In addition, instead of thinking of this as a “one and done” conversation, you should talk about assisted living in an ongoing way.
As a result, it’s important to have this initial discussion sooner rather than later. If you talk about assisted living before your family member fully needs it, you can give them more time to process and have more options available to you.
Be available to answer any questions your family member may have and provide support throughout the process.
Talking to a family member about assisted living can be a difficult conversation to have. However, with careful planning, you can approach the conversation in a supportive and positive way.
If you’re ready to explore Daytona Beach assisted living options, we invite you to discover Sunscape Daytona Beach and schedule a tour today!
