One of the biggest challenges people have in making certain things work for themselves or a loved one is that they don’t have experience. Most people don’t have much experience with assisted living, either for themselves or an aging parent or other loved one.
When looking into assisted living, there may be a number of preconceived notions, misconceptions, and questions about it. Below is a step-by-step guide that can help people make this elder care option work best for them.
Step #1: Learn more about it.
Instead of making assumptions that this is no different than nursing home care, learn what it is. Assisted living is just that: living with assistance. Some people require minimal or no support at all throughout the day while others in these facilities require some amount of physical assistance to help them with any number of tasks.
Step #2: Go on a tour.
Most assisted living facilities across the country provide tours for people to come and visit and see what they offer. It is highly recommended that an elderly person and his or her family, friends, or others who support them go on at least one of these tours to see what these communities are truly like.
Step #3: Be honest about expectations.
If somebody has high expectations about this or some other senior care option, they may be disappointed. People who choose assisted living may not be world travelers anymore, but they may still be interested in doing a number of activities.
Step #4: Be clear on what is acceptable at this facility.
From furniture, pets, and other items, the senior may have to get rid of a lot of things he or she has in their home, especially if they have been living in the same place for many years and have accumulated a lot of items.
Step #5: Meet other seniors.
When the elderly person finally moves into this new home environment, they should be encouraged to get out there, with other seniors, take part in certain activities, check out the entertainment facility, and even the dining establishment.
When they begin meeting others, they will start to form new friendships. They may even reconnect with friends they had a long time ago but lost touch with through the years.
When seniors follow these steps, they will more often than not realize that assisted living is truly a wonderful option to consider and can provide them the best support in their Golden Years.
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