With care homes being a taboo subject around many family dining tables, discussing your loved one’s options may be difficult and even upsetting. For your loved one, someone identifying that they may not be coping can be offensive and interpreted as a sign of failure. In addition, residential care is stereotyped as a place where individuals lose their independence and must rely on care staff for tasks and errands.
Do you want to discuss residential care with your relative, but are not sure how to approach the subject? See the following tips for a smooth and communicative transition.
Time the conversation wisely
Moving from independent living near me to supported living is a life-changing and perhaps difficult reality for your loved one to face, no matter how much you believe they need it for their wellbeing and safety. Timing is imperative for a calm and private conversation about care options. Provided you do not push the discussion abruptly or too heavily, your relative should be happy to consider your concerns for them.
Listen to what they want
Asking them what they would prefer, in the short and long term can have a multitude of benefits. This includes finding the right care to improve their daily life and extends to continued advocacy for your relative if they do transition into supported living. Knowing their wishes will help you feel more confident in making choices that will affect them.
You could ask them what areas they feel they may need some assistance in and discuss how a care home could provide this help best. You can also discuss this with care teams and communicate your relative’s wishes.
Consider what they will be losing
From close friends to daily routines, your relative may be gaining irreplaceable safeguarding and specialized care, but they are also losing close relationships and location-dependent commitments. Understanding what will be different and discussing this openly with your relative can reduce confusion and misunderstandings further down the line.
Empathizing with their losses and communicating the benefits sensitively to your relative may relieve this stress and help them to weigh up the potential advantages of residential care.
Find the right option for your loved one
Finding the correct care facility for your loved one to move into can be a daunting task, perpetuated by the stereotypes of care homes. Browse luxury care homes to suit all budgets and help your relative thrive in their senior years. You could even invite them to look online with you, explaining what is offered by each option and exciting them about the benefits of residential care facilities. This often includes salon and spa facilities, en-suite rooms, scenic gardens, aqua-aerobic classes, offsite outings, and more.
In summary…
Approaching the subject of care homes with your relative can be overwhelming, however, it is made easier when you time the conversation sensitively, discuss the matter privately, involve them in decisions big and small, and highlight the benefits of this option. Listen calmly to their concerns, worries, fears, wishes, and what they will lose by relocating to a care facility. Help address each concern concisely and communicate this clearly to the care team.