Are you wondering how to move a parent to assisted living because you’re worried about your Mum or Dad? It can be agonising to watch someone you love struggle with things they used to find easy. Naturally, you’ll want to help them get support in a way that respects their independence and wellbeing. Searching for more information is a great place to begin.
Why it might feel like time for a loved one to move to aged care
It’s clear that you’re not researching how to put a parent in a nursing home for nefarious reasons. In fact, exploring aged care options can show just how much you care for that person. There can be several reasons that you might be looking into assisted living options for someone you know.
Difficulties with daily activities
Our daily routines make up our lives, but it might feel like time to seek care if your loved one is struggling with regular activities like cooking, cleaning, washing, or moving around the house. Maybe it’s becoming much more difficult for them to socialise or navigate daily interactions.
Dementia or behaviour changes
You may be looking into how to move a parent with dementia to assisted living because you see memory issues affecting their day to day life. Perhaps you’re worried for your parent’s safety, or someone else’s safety if they are going through behavioural changes.
Safety or security concerns
Safety is also a common reason to seek care for a loved one. It can be very concerning if a loved one has fallen when there’s no one around, or to worry about them remembering to lock the doors or switch the stovetop after they’ve used it.
You need a rest as a carer
Being a loved one’s caregiver can be draining, especially if you’re providing care 24/7. In this situation an assisted living environment or aged care home can help older people and their carers to access dedicated support.
What you can do to help your loved one
You don’t need to know how to convince a parent to go to assisted living. Rather, the first step is to sit down with your loved one and begin to make a plan with them. Here are some ways to start the process.
Start the conversation straight away
The earlier you can start talking to your loved one, the sooner you can find help and set out a plan. You might find that your loved one already has their own concerns, or are unsure of how to broach the topic themselves.
Carry out research
There are several different types of aged care support, including at-home care, residential aged care and respite care. You will probably also have a choice of aged care providers in your local area, so it can help to understand the different options.
A free aged care assessment with the government service My Aged Care can be an ideal place to begin.
Bring in outside perspectives
If an aged care assessment suggests that a move into aged care might be the best option but your loved one is hesitant, it may help to speak with their doctor or healthcare providers to take the conversation further. Other trusted perspectives might come from friends, family members, social workers, or religious leaders if your loved one has religious faith.
Visit aged care homes
Booking visits at aged care homes in your neighbourhood can help your loved one to see the facilities for themselves, meet care teams and allay any uncertainties they might have. Your loved one can ask questions and meet other residents who can provide their honest opinions about the social life, food and resident rooms.
Aged care home visits can also help you with knowing how to get parents into assisted living in a practical sense (or your spouse, family member or friend). The admissions team at an aged care home can help you navigate the necessary steps of accessing aged care support, as well as government subsidisation if your loved one is eligible.
Tips for speaking with loved ones
Having conversations about aged care can often be far from easy. After all, the thought of leaving home and living somewhere else can be daunting. Here are some tips on how to talk to your elderly parents about assisted living and ease a transition to aged care.
Be respectful and understanding
Listen carefully to your loved one, and hear what they have to say. They should always feel like they have choice and control over their care.
Address their concerns
This is a key step in how to talk to parents about assisted living – or a spouse, family member or friend. One common concern can be around the potential loss of independence, but high quality aged care will actively support a person’s independence and autonomy.
Offer your support
Naturally you’ll always be there for your loved one – but it can help to reassure them about this. Speak about how often you plan to visit, and assure them they’ll be able to call any time they want to. It can help to make plans for upcoming birthdays and milestones so they know they won’t miss out on important family events.
Focus on the benefits
The right residential aged care can bring with it many advantages, including:
- A vibrant social life and exciting lifestyle programs
- A delicious, colourful and nutritious food culture
- Increased safety, security and peace of mind, and
- Beautiful natural gardens and modern buildings that are expertly maintained.
And with a person-centred care approach, assisted living can actually help your loved one to be more independent than they might have been at home.
Be patient
Accessing aged care can be a big decision. Sometimes it can take time and multiple conversations to agree on the best plan forward.
We’re here to support you and your loved ones
If you’re looking into how to get someone into assisted living in a low-stress, open and respectful way, these articles can provide helpful places to begin:
- Starting the conversation about aged care
- What to expect when moving into care
- Tips on how to find a good aged care home
You can also speak with our team at Aurrum Aged Care about any questions you might have. You are most welcome to book a tour at any of our locations throughout NSW and Victoria at a time that suits you, with absolutely no pressure. Simply contact us today to get started.