If you were to ask 10 aging seniors about assisted living, you would likely hear a variety of answers. That’s because most people have certain misconceptions about what an assisted living facility offers, but no first-hand, real-world experience with it.
In other words, common misconceptions tend to color the lenses people see this senior care option with. When trying to broach the topic with an aging parent or grandparent, you may very well be met with resistance.
Depending on the individual, their personality, their age, and a number of other factors, that resistance could be significant. Anticipating potential questions or misconceptions an elderly person has about assisted living can help you discuss this subject without riling people or ruffling feathers.
Questions are a powerful way to engage in conversation.
In our modern culture, people love to talk. They talk about things they think, things they think they know, and are very opinionated, as a general rule. Not everyone is like this, but more and more lately it seems that people are more willing to talk than to listen.
In order to engage in a positive, constructive conversation, it’s a good idea to keep questions at the forefront of your thoughts.
Below are three questions you might consider asking an elderly senior in your life whom you believe would benefit from assisted living.
Question #1: Have you ever visited an assisted living facility?
When Tom was 78, widowed, and dealing with certain health issues, his oldest son and daughter-in-law approached him about assisted living. He immediately shot the idea down, even going to the point of getting somewhat hostile and belligerent.
His daughter-in-law asked him, “Have you ever visited one of these places?”
He had to look at her for a long moment and, then his anger subsided. He hadn’t ever been to one. He didn’t know anyone who lived in one of these communities.
So, his issue wasn’t with the facility idea, but something else.
Question #2: What would a day at assisted living look like for you?
This is probably a question some seniors will ask themselves, but can’t possibly have an answer unless they know somebody at a quality facility and have visited them on more than one occasion.
Every facility is different, so just because one may not provide activities or other opportunities for its residents doesn’t mean all of them are like that. Encourage the senior to take a tour, visit various facilities, and that might give him or her an idea of what an average day for them will look like at this place.
Question #3: Do you think this is about giving up on life?
Because of these misconceptions, some seniors honestly believe that “giving in” or “succumbing” to assisted living as an option is basically giving up on life.
They fail to recognize that assisted living is just that: living with assistance. Quality of life can actually improve for many seniors when they choose this long-term care option.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Senior Placement Consultants in Nipomo, CA, call the caring staff at My Senior Navigator for all your Senior Care needs.
Contact us today: (805)748-2614
