Nowadays, people are living longer. Consequently, more families are considering how to care for loved ones as they age. Some seniors are open to moving to a senior living in Quantico, VA, a retirement community or downsizing to a smaller home. However, your loved one might prefer to age in place, remaining where they resided for decades.
Why Your Parent May Refuse Assisted Living
When your parent needs to move to assisted living, it can be stressful for everyone involved. Sometimes, aging parents can resist any transition towards a new type of care or living management. They may even refuse to consider a retirement community for any of the following reasons:
- Unwillingness to lose their independence
- They fear they will not know anyone
- They prefer their usual way of life and routine and do not wish to change
- They have a strong attachment to their possessions and home
These are legitimate reasons for the mixed reactions from many aging parents. However, understanding your loved one’s opinions and fears will help you approach the situation more informed, considerate, and directly. Below are a few tips on navigating this situation with respect and kindness for all involved.
Listen
Are you considering moving your parent to senior living in Quantico, VA? If so, you probably base your decision on specific signs indicating that your parent is not safe living alone. Perhaps he/she forgets to take medications or fails to turn off the stove sometimes.
You may believe that moving to a retirement community is the best idea, but your parent may think otherwise. Many parents are anxious at the prospect of leaving home. Some resent having their kids tell them what to do.
Instead of making a unilateral decision, it would help to have an honest and open conversation with your loved one. Your dad or mom may worry about costs and other issues. A conversation may help you alleviate his/her concerns.
Compare Your Options
If your loved one is mobile, it will help to take him/her to visit different retirement communities to check out the senior living options. That will allow your parent to see what it might be like to move into a place that can provide more care. Seeing the suites, meeting the team members, and trying the food may help change your parent’s mind.
Keep Talking
Perhaps your initial conversation could have gone better. It is always difficult to discuss such subjects. However, discussing what happens if your loved one’s mental faculties begin to wane may be necessary. Remember that it is always more difficult for everyone if you do not discuss these things.
If your parent was not ready to consider moving last year, bring up the subject again this year. You may discover that he/she now realizes that a little more help would be nice but is ashamed to ask after previously refusing. Your family will find a solution if you keep the dialogue going.
Learn About Our Retirement Community in Quantico, VA
You are not alone if you are wondering what to do when your parent refuses assisted living. Luckily, help is available. If you want your parent to enjoy the rest of his/her years in relative comfort and ease, moving into senior living in Quantico, VA, can provide what your loved one needs.
