Elder Care: Assisted Living Saraland AL
Elder care is a great option for aging men and women who might struggle with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Some of these ADLs might include bathing, toileting, getting out of bed, preparing meals, or even going grocery shopping. It can also include having difficulty getting to doctors’ appointments, but for that, there may be other assistance available.
There are different types of elder care, but assisted living happens to be one of the best for many good reasons. Unfortunately, as people get older they turn to family first. If they don’t have family, they may lean on friends and the family of their friends to help from time to time.
Almost always, though, a small amount of help for one or two times becomes three or four, which then becomes five or 10 and on and on it goes. The older a person is, the more likely they will need help, especially if they are facing health issues, limited mobility, or other challenges that will only grow more significant as time marches on.
What if They Don’t Want to Hear About Assisted Living?
Even though assisted living is arguably one of the best elder care options available to aging men and women, especially those who need assistance on a regular basis, some people don’t know enough about it. They have certain built-in fears and anxieties, especially when it comes to change.
Change is often considered inevitable, but when a person is facing the prospect of changing their home environment, changing the things they do, or even accepting the limitations their body and health is placing on them, they shut down. They don’t want to talk about it. They would rather create a delusion for themselves that they can handle this, that with just a little bit of support from family and friends, they can do just fine in their own home.
You may feel like you’re beating your head against the proverbial wall, but don’t give up. You certainly need to respect their autonomy and independence and not force the issue upon them, but there are a few different ways you can help an aging parent begin to realize the benefits elder care, especially assisted living, offers.
Take Them on a Tour
Most assisted living facilities offer tours. Many of them are now in person once again, having gone virtual during the pandemic. A tour is a wonderful opportunity for them to see the facility, get a glimpse of what the rooms look like, and perhaps meet some of the other residents who may be just like them.
Read About it Online
When you find information online, it can offer a great deal of insight into what daily living and overnight stays would be like at the facility. Encourage the senior to read this information online or, if the facility in the area has a brochure, pick it up for them. If they don’t want to read it, just be patient.
Talk About Short-Term Stays
Most people don’t realize that assisted living offers respite care options. These are short-term stays that could be for a few days a week, a week or two at a time, or even overnight. Taking advantage of respite options may help that aging parent realize the value of elder care.
About Cindy Johnson
Follow Us!