Aging Parents & the Holidays: Time for “The Talk?”
As the holiday season begins, many adult children prepare for their annual trip home to visit their aging parents or other older family members. One of the primary concerns leading up to any visit with aging loved ones is how they manage daily activities in the home. More than not, there is the looming question of whether this will be the visit when it is apparent that these loved ones can no longer live independently.
Deciding to have the “talk” with a loved one about leaving the comforts of home and moving to a senior living community is not easy. Before starting a conversation about the option of a senior living community, here are three things to observe while visiting an aging loved one this holiday season:
- Loneliness: Do you notice few visitors at the home? Social interaction is essential for aging loved ones. Frequent visits from neighbors and friends increase mood, reduce episodes of depression, and strengthen a sense of community. As family members age, they experience the loss of lifelong friends, creating a sense of loneliness.
- Disorganized/Unsafe Home Environment: A vital sign that it might be time to move an aging loved one to a senior living community is the home's condition. Check the house to ensure areas are safe and free of clutter and trash. Stay alert for fire hazards in the kitchen that have been left unchecked or items around the house that could cause a severe injury.
- Declining Health: Chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and congestive heart failure require frequent care by a professional. Continuous treatment of chronic illness could reach a point where it’s overwhelming for family members and is better suited for a structured setting such as a senior living community.
Our caring staff welcomes the opportunity to answer your questions about services at our senior living community.
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