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There are some conversations in life that are both difficult and inevitable. Discussing aged care with your loved one is one of those conversations.
However, with the number of elderly citizens on the rise, the aged care systems are having to keep up with growing numbers and a healthier elderly demographic.
Making the transition into assisted living is getting easier as the systems learn and adapt to their growing population.
If you have a loved one that is near the transition to assisted living then hopefully this article can provide some guidance on how to address concerns and move forward with a seamless transition.
Trepidation is Natural
If you are feeling uneasy, unsure, and a bit nervous about how to proceed with looking for assisted living for your loved one, you are not alone.
It is a difficult and emotional decision – one that is a huge transition for all family members. One way to stay informed on up-to-date happenings of assisted living is to tap into an aged care blog.
Websites will be full of information but it is often written but rarely updated. A blog is a way to read the most relevant information from various writers from family members to those living in various options of assisted living.
Aged Care Has Changed For the Better
Assisted living no longer means a stagnant life at a boring in-home care facility playing bingo. Assisted living can be adapted to your loved one’s needs and desires.
Care ranges from in-home options to living in an assisted living facility. Begin your conversation with your loved one first and foremost around where they would like to live.
There are many options to keep your loved one in their home if that is what they prefer.
However, moving into a residential living will also provide a continued sense of independence.
Understand Your Loved One’s Needs
When planning a transition into assisted living be realistic about what your loved one needs. Everyone ages differently, thus making every transition very personal.
Does your loved one have specific medical needs that require regular attention?
If so, be sure to look into the assisted living medical availability. Some facilities have medical care a couple of times a week, whereas others have someone in-house all the time.
If your loved one has dietary requirements, be sure to check out what the food is like. If your loved one is concerned about loneliness or social isolation, look into the activities both on and off-site.
Even if your loved one chooses assisted living in the context of their own home – most facilities will have a transportation option so they won’t miss out on any social activity.
Be a Part of the Transition
While transitioning your loved one to assisted living may feel daunting, always remember that you are the customer. It is okay to ask questions, get second opinions, shop around, and push for the perfect scenario for your loved one.
Before you begin the conversations, be sure to know your loved one’s rights as a senior citizen. With the number of elderly individuals growing rapidly, the assisted living sector will have to grow and improve to follow suit.
Understanding your loved one’s transition into assisted living entails understanding what is available and how people are currently experiencing it.
Begin your search with a thorough read of both websites and reviews. But most importantly, begin the dialogue with your loved one on what they envision as their dream life in assisted living and begin creating it from there.
You will be pleasantly surprised with what is available and with a bit of research and creativity, you will be transitioning your loved one into the best phase of their life yet.
About The Author:
Caitlyn Bell is an Arts student whose experiences in life make her really tougher than anyone else. She can lend you expert tips on diverse topics ranging from relationship to fashion, survival tips, making money, health, and so on. Her write-ups are a window into her thoughts and knowledge.
