How You Can Present Assisted Living for a Loved One When Others Disagree

People often struggle to live at home as they get older. They can’t do the things they used to and need help. Families express concern about seniors living alone, but the elderly family members insist they are fine.

Problems arise when certain family members wish to see their loved one move to elderly assisted living and others don’t agree. How can this be resolved without tearing the family apart? 

What Might Suggest This Move is Necessary?

Family members who feel the loved one needs additional care should document the reasons why. For example, the senior may fall regularly and be at greater risk of injuries. It may be clear they are now in need of memory care, as they are showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

At times, the family is concerned about how isolated the senior is and what it is doing to their mental state. The loved one cannot get out without assistance or can’t complete basic household tasks. At times, the problem lies in the individual’s inability to maintain the home, which is now falling into disrepair. 

The Problems Families Encounter

At times, there is only one family member to care for the loved one or providing the level of help needed is beyond what they can provide. The parent may not want to move in with a child, as they feel they will be a burden. They also don’t want to give up their independence. These concerns can be laid to rest if the parent moves to an assisted living community in Culver City, CA

The Solution Lies in Assisted Living

When a person moves to a senior living community, they receive the help they need. These communities offer private residences while providing support to seniors who wish to live independent lives. The community supplies nutritious meals, activities for the residents, transportation, and more. In addition, staff members handle basic housekeeping tasks and laundry for the residents. This care for seniors goes beyond what many families can offer. 

When Family Members Disagree

Getting all family members to agree that the loved one needs to move to a senior community can be challenging. Certain family members may be unwilling to accept the loved one is getting older and needs help. They may feel help is needed but not at a level where this type of community makes sense. 

The loved one may also be telling one family member they wish to move while informing another family member they wish to stay in the home. This leads to disagreements within the family. How can these disagreements be resolved? 

Resolving Disagreements

To resolve any disagreements, remember what is important. The loved one must be safe and cared for. That’s the only thing that matters. Discuss what the person wants and what they need. Try to come to a middle ground that will make everyone happy. 

One way to resolve these disagreements is speaking to the loved one’s medical team. Their input can be helpful in coming to an agreement regarding the individual’s living arrangement. They are an unbiased party to the discussions, which makes it easier for family members to hear their points. 

Determine the main areas where people disagree. For example, one family member might worry about a loss of freedom for the loved one. Arrange a visit to the community so they can see this isn’t the case. 

Find areas where compromise is possible. For example, consider increasing the amount of help the family member receives in the home for a short time. See if this is enough to resolve the problem the senior is experiencing. Agree to discuss how the new arrangement is working in three months. At that time, assisted living can be reconsidered if the new arrangement isn’t working. 

Use this time to explore different communities with all family members present. That ensures everyone understands what the senior will receive if they do make this move. Doing so also brings peace of mind to those who have concerns. 

Financial Considerations

If family members are worried about the cost of senior living communities, determine how the new accommodations will be covered. Research all available resources to keep the cost down for family members. In addition, speak to the staff at different communities to learn about any resources that may have been overlooked. 

Ultimately, the family must decide what is best for the loved one. Members must come to an agreement. Doing so is challenging, so don’t hesitate to bring in outside help. A third party can assist in helping the family come to an agreement that all parties are comfortable with. 

About Terraza Court

Here at Terraza Court, we offer a personalized approach to senior living. Residents deserve to live life on their own terms, and we make certain they do. Thanks to our attention to detail, residents have everything they want and need to live their best lives.