Transitioning to a retirement community needs careful decision-making. You have to let your loved ones know the benefits of doing so. Likewise, all family members must be involved in the transition. What if family members disagree about senior care in assisted living? Older adults in the family who are due for the move might as well feel anxious when this happens. You have to do something about the argument right away.
Have a Meeting
Transitioning into assisted living involves making decisions about your loved ones long-term care. This can be stressful and worrisome. How you react to stress may be different with those of other family members. Lighten the load by discussing things with a family meeting. Look into other options, in case you do not arrive at an agreement to make the move.
Talk about how you will share responsibilities in taking care of your loved ones. Should the loved one stay at the primary caregiver’s home then transfer to another home later? This might just create another problem. Avoid this as much as possible. It is better to have one home where each of you can take turns taking care of older adults until such time you have finally decided to move them into a retirement community.
Take the Counseling Route
Having a family where every child must get involved in deciding for the future of their loved ones needing senior care can really be troublesome. If you are willing to work on your relationships, and you are after the welfare of the older adult in your family, then might as well take the counselling route. You can have a therapist that will guide you during the conversation so that you won’t end up shouting and uttering words that will hurt, not just you, but your parents. This is a great way to express concerns and frustrations, as well as voice out ideas and opinions in a more effective manner.
Try Elder Care Mediation
What is the role of an elder care mediator? They will help resolve conflicting family members so that they will arrive at a better decision. They won’t tell you which solutions will suit you best. They will explain things on a different perspective so that you can come up with negotiated agreements for the sake of your loved ones.
The Bottom Line
The transition is not about you. It is your loved ones’ best interest that must be brought to mind. How can you make them understand if you cannot resolve your conflicts with other family members? How can you convince them that senior care in assisted living is best for them if arguments come every now and then?
Your loved ones should be able to welcome the change without all these discussions between family members. Settle your issues, as there may be something else that causes you to fall apart on making the decision. Make sure that you take time to listen to the suggestions of older adults in the home too. Take these steps and it will be easier for them to welcome change with team members who are experts in senior care.
