There is no easy way to start a conversation with a parent about them no longer being able to live at home. It is a topic that we all struggle to deal with, even though it is something that most of us will have to deal with ourselves at some point. However, there is absolutely no reason why it should be any more difficult than it needs to be. In fact, this is merely the start of the next chapter in your parent’s life. There are so many wonderful options out there when it comes to memory care for seniors, assisted living, and retirement communities, and the best way to rid yourself and your parent of the worries that you have about it is by doing your research and learning more about it.
The fact is that many of us simply do not have the time, the space, or the medical knowledge to care for our elderly parents as well as we should. Finding a retirement community that will allow them to keep their independence, offer them a new community of their own, like at chelseaseniorliving.com/locations/the-chelsea-at-washington-township. Also to have their medical needs taken care of is so important. With that in mind, let’s break down the steps that you and your parent need to take on this journey.
Talk To Their Doctor
If you and your parent are considering a retirement community, then there is a very good chance that they are suffering from one or more medical issues that need attention. With the staggering costs and complex issues relating to elder health concerns, this is why most people decide to take this step. The most important thing that you need to remember is that you need to be confident that any home you are thinking about is going to be able to deliver the care that your parent needs. Make an appointment with their doctor and explain that you are thinking about taking this step. They will be able to walk you through all your parent’s medical needs and what kind of questions you should ask when you get in touch with any prospective retirement community.
Talk To Your Parent
Even if you find the idea of talking to your parent about moving into a retirement community difficult, it is so important that you broach the subject with them. This should never be a step that you take without consulting them, even if they are opposed to the idea at first. You need to be honest about the reasons you are considering this, and you need to explain that this is going to be something that you work on together. By involving them in the discussion and making them part of the search for the right home, you are allowing them to take this journey on their terms.
Look For A Community With Their Values
There are obviously going to be a lot of different factors to consider when you start looking at different retirement communities, but one of the most important is a sense of values. We all have a very clear idea about the kind of community that we do not want, and what we are looking for is somewhere that prioritizes care, independence, and wellbeing like those run by the Clover Group.
You should also consider looking for a community that can offer a faith-inspired service, but which provides comfort and care to their residents regardless of their religion. St Anne’s Retirement Community is a non-profit, caring community that offers a comfortable and home-like setting as well as spiritual support. Visit their website to learn more about their range of services and accommodation options.
Know What You Can Afford
A lot of people worry about whether they will be able to afford the kind of retirement community their parents deserve. While it is not always the most pleasant thing to think about, it is very important to consider. It could be very disruptive to allow your parent to settle in at a new community only to need to move them a few months later because you have realized that you cannot make the monthly payments.
With that in mind, start working on a budget now and be very clear on how much you will be able to pay. Find out if your parent could be eligible for any financial support from the state or government (for example, if they are a veteran then they may be entitled to some financial support). You should also talk to the home you are looking at to get a very clear idea of all their costs and find out what kind of payment plans they offer. Be upfront with them about any concerns that you may have regarding payments. They may be able to offer some support.
Visit In Person
We know that there has been so much that has turned virtual over the last couple of years, but when it comes to choosing a retirement community for your parents, this is not something that you want to rush into. If the community you are looking at offers virtual tours, then you should definitely take a look, but there really is no substitute for paying a visit in person. Request a tour with a representative and bring your parent along if they are up to it. Make sure that you have a list of questions ready, and that you get a good look at everything from the security measures are in place to the food that is on offer at mealtimes.
Listen To What Your Parent Wants
We have talked a lot about how to discuss the subject with your parent and what you should be looking for in a retirement community, but one of the most important things that you need to do is listen carefully to what your parent wants. You are of course going to be focused on several key issues, such as accessibility, location, affordability and whether they can provide the proper health care for your parent’s specific needs.
But when it comes to the community part of a retirement community, you need to consider that your parent probably has some specific ideas about what they are looking for. Remember that they may want to be very involved in the activities and opportunities for socializing that the community offers. They may also want a place where they can be by themselves whenever they choose to be.
