EMOTIONAL IMPACT OF MOVING ELDERLY PARENT TO ASSISTED LIVING

There is no better place than home. Most of us feel that home is more about being safe and sharing many memories with our loved ones. We fill our homes with items we love and possessions that bring back memories of good times. But there will come a time when seniors need to move to an assisted living facility.

Try to imagine yourself as your parent. Although they may have lived together for many years, their needs and preferences are changing. Your parents are experiencing difficulty getting around, require more assistance with daily activities (ADLs), and may need more company.
While you know it would be wise to move to senior living, you also recognize the obstacles that may lie ahead. Do some soul searching before making this move. Consider how you can maintain boundaries, compassion, as well as self-awareness during this transition.

Talking About Senior Living

How can you approach this difficult decision? It will be hard for your parent to leave the house, but it is also important for their safety and health. Talk to your spouse, siblings, and friends. Also, check with coworkers and colleagues who may have been through the same thing with their parents. Talk to a caregiver support group, senior living community staff and other resources for some wise advice.

When things aren’t going as planned at home, it’s best to raise the issue with your parent. It’s best to schedule a meeting when you have plumbing issues or lawn maintenance bills due. This will allow you to easily segue into the conversation, rather than bring it up suddenly.

While you understand their desire to age in place, it’s important to point out the importance and benefits of moving. Do not ask for commitment immediately, as it might appear that you are already making the decision. Your dad or mom should feel that they are in control of this matter and that you are only there to support them.

Senior Living Tours: Encouragement

After the initial meeting, take your parent to several assisted-living facilities. Talk about where she would keep the items she loved to make the transition easier.

Follow the lead of your loved one. Talk to your parent about buying a new recliner or couch for their senior living home. You can replicate their existing living space or bedroom layout in your new apartment if they are more comfortable staying in their comfort zone. It’s about finding a balance between the present and the past.

The act of downsizing and moving

After moving out of their home, the biggest fear of seniors is often the actual moving process. People of all ages find moving daunting. It can be overwhelming to think about all the things we have collected over the years and how to pack them up, move them, and unpack them. Many seniors see downsizing as synonymous with purging. Many seniors are immediately put off by hoarders, collectors, and those who hold on to sentimental objects.

It can be difficult for everyone involved to decide what to do about mementos or symbols that are a reminder of a good life. What should you keep? What to keep? How do we get rid of it? Adult children can sometimes be too close to their parents and become impatient or too honest with them when it comes time to process furniture, clothing, and other personal belongings. This can lead to the entire process being stopped.

Respect your parents’ possessions, even if they don’t know why. Many seniors find the purging very symbolic and poignant. The seniors are choosing which aspects of their past to keep and which ones to let go. There are senior movers that specialize in helping seniors move, downsize, and declutter. This can take the stress and emotional pain out the moving process for you and your dad.

How to handle a parent’s indecisiveness

Sometimes, it is like grieving the loss of a home you have lived in for many decades. Moving out of a home you have lived in for decades is easier if you’ve done it in smaller steps. Many caregivers have to deal with the indecision of their loved ones regarding senior living. Ageing parents often understand the need but insist that it is not yet time.

It is difficult to comprehend the range of emotions involved in putting off all the details, offering loving support and finally accepting a major change in carefully planned plans. It can be frustrating to go through all of this only to have to retrace your steps and wait for a breakthrough or a health change to help things move forward. Meanwhile, worries about your parent’s health at home can set in.

Although it’s not an easy task, try patience while your parent chooses between the various living arrangements. Give a realistic view of how much easier it will be for your parent to make this transition sooner than expected. But, if they have a sound mind, it is their responsibility to decide where and how they live. Sometimes you may need to take a step back and bite your lips until something changes.

We were not prepared for the sudden need for higher levels of care. But you can’t tell when seniors are going to need it. You can help them stay in their home for 20 years or move to another place if they have a bad fall. It is important to act quickly because elder needs can be unpredictable.

Why shouldn’t my aging parents move in with me?

Adult children often feel the need to support their parents in making the best senior living decisions. This is an individual decision that needs to be taken into account the needs of everyone involved (you, your parent/partner, children, pets, etc.). No matter whether multigenerational living can be considered, there is always guilt at the suggestion that a loved person move into assisted living in Myrtle Beach.

Senior living is a place where older people go to when their family has “abandoned them” or they don’t have any relatives. Some families find it difficult to live with an aging parent. It is not something that many people find a comfortable and long-lasting solution. Although living together can delay the transition to senior living, it is rarely impossible.

Caregivers face difficult decisions when a parent is not safe or involved in their home. A parent’s increasing needs are an open sign that they are aging. It is a fact they must accept and we must too. The move is often considered physical proof and can be a devastating blow to the whole family. We can only respect each other and work together to provide a loving and safe home for our parents, no matter where it may be.

All of us adjust in time

Seniors and their loved ones can find it difficult to age. But, we must do what is necessary. We discuss the possibility of moving. We discuss the amount of assistance we can provide. We emphasize that we will still be there to support you, but that it is time for us to make changes. We research, travel, pack, and try to help our loved ones adjust. Our parents adapt and we eventually help them to adjust. While many seniors feel happier once they settle into senior living, it doesn’t mean that the process is easier.

This transition is inevitable. Only one way out is through. It is difficult to move from one’s home to another. Recognize the pain of your parents as well as yours. Third-party support is available if you and your elder are experiencing too much pain. A close friend, a religious leader, or a paid counselor can provide support and new ideas to help you both look to the future instead of dwelling on the past.

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Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now if you are looking for the perfect place for your elderly loved one.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT ASSISTED LIVING

Family members and caregivers have many questions when it comes time to transition a loved one to assisted living. Here are the top questions caregivers have about transitioning to assisted living.

What is an assisted living community?

A senior living facility is a type that provides assistance for those who are unable to live independently and need help with daily living activities.

Seniors love assisted living because they can be independent in a variety of senior housing options. Assistive living can be a great option for seniors who are in good health and don’t need much help with daily tasks. A resident in an assisted living facility is like having your own apartment with a bathroom and kitchen.

However, you can be sure that trained staff will be there to assist your loved one if needed. The assisted living community might offer daily living assistance for bathing and dressing, toileting, grooming and eating. However, it is important to carefully read the contract. Sometimes, personal care is an extra cost or a home health agency is needed to provide these services.

What is the difference between an assisted living facility and a nursing home in your area?

Assisted living doesn’t provide medical care. It does not treat specific diseases or conditions like Parkinson’s disease. To determine the type of care that an elder requires, the assisted living facility will evaluate them. Nursing homes are for people with chronic health conditions and need to be tended to by a staff member.

Is it time to look into assisted living for your parents?

Caregivers should ask “When is it?” It is usually a sign that it is time. An elder should consider moving to a higher level of care if you are unable to provide the care your loved one requires.

Your parent’s safety is at stake if they are confused, forgetful, or wander a lot. Your parent may need help if they have severe mobility problems and are unable to move around the house on their own. You may feel overwhelmed by your daily care needs and are “burned out” by care.

Is it possible to have pets in assisted living facilities?

Many assisted living facilities to understand the value of pets for seniors and allow them to have certain restrictions. For more information about the number of pets allowed per resident and specific breeds, contact your assisted living facility.

What is the cost of assisted living and who pays it?

While the costs of assisted living vary by facility, the national average monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment with a private bathroom is $3,750. Seniors who need Alzheimer’s care or dementia care have a significantly higher rate, and their costs are usually about $1200 more.

To pay for housing, people who reside in assisted living facilities often make use of private pay. It is up to each individual to decide where they source their funding. To cover these costs, some people use their personal savings, retirement funds and/or Social Security.

Long-term care insurance is also available. Medicaid and federal programs don’t cover the cost of assisted living. For special circumstances, some states offer waivers to assist living. To find out if your state offers a waiver, check with your Area Agency on Aging.

The government subsidized or low-income communities are an exception to private payment for assisted living. The government will subsidise the rent if your parent meets certain asset and income requirements.

How can caregivers cope with guilt when a parent moves to assisted living?

Guilt is something caregivers feel when moving an elderly parent into assisted living. Do not let guilt take over your life! Keep in mind that your parent chose the best choice. You can play the role of an “overseer” if your parent moves due to the increased care you receive from professionals. As a liaison between assisted living staff members and your parent, you can ensure that their needs are met. You can also redefine your relationship with your parent by focusing on their daily care needs. For example, making sure that their apartment is decorated with personal touches. You can ensure that your parent receives the best possible care by moving in a way that is more in line with their needs.

What can dad or mom bring to assisted living?

Any personal belongings that your parent has can be brought to the apartment. You can also bring furniture from your parents. You and your parents can decide which pieces will make the transition easier.

How can I be sure they are receiving good care ?

Look for a quality assisted living facility. If possible, be a regular visitor and build relationships with the staff. Ask questions. Pay attention to any injuries or bruises on your loved one. It is much easier to monitor the care your parent receives by asking questions and communicating with staff. Talk to your supervisor if you suspect elder abuse, neglect, or contact an elder care ombudsman.

What happens if mom’s Alzheimer’s gets worse? Is she going to have to leave?

People who are in the initial stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia may be able to stay in assisted living. Alzheimer’s care and dementia care are handled individually. Many assisted living facilities provide secure memory care units. You can hire a private duty nurse if you don’t want your parent to be in a memory care unit.

Seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia can live in their apartment and not in a secure facility. Private duty nurses are available to help. To find out the policy of your parent’s facility, please contact them. A move to a nursing facility may be necessary if seniors are unable to function independently.

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Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now if you’re looking for the perfect community for your senior loved ones.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

Family's Involvement As Elderly Move To Assisted Living

It is important to strike a delicate balance when it comes time for family visits to assisted living facilities. You can be supportive of your loved one and there are times when you interfere with their care.

Are Families Too Involved in Family Life?

I like to think I was always on the safe side of this line. Over time I became friends with the staff. I tried to keep out of their way when they were busy and didn’t talk too much. If they had a problem, I didn’t critique them. Instead, I asked them if they could make adjustments. I listened to their explanations and suggestions. My visits lasted about an hour, which allowed me to meet with elders and ensure that their day was complete. Both elders and staff were open to my presence.

Employees would sometimes confide in me about relatives who took over nursing home visits. They acted as though they owned the facility, and that their loved ones were the only residents that mattered. They surrounded every staff member they could find, and spoke to them as if they were good neighbors who had all the time in this world, or enemies who required constant monitoring. Both attitudes are bad.

Entitlement vs. Advocacy

Family caregivers are naturally concerned for the wellbeing of their loved ones. This is especially important for elderly who can’t totally understand or take part in their care. A few family members may take on too much responsibility.

Everyone wants the best possible care for the people they love. While most families want one staff member per resident, that is not the case in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Nurses would tell me stories of visitors who spent the day in the nursing home and demanded services for their elderly. While I could understand their concern for their loved ones and the demands placed on nurses, and aides working in this field, I also realized how difficult it was to keep them safe.

The staff at this facility was caring and aimed to provide high-quality care to all residents. Family members should remember that there are other residents who need care and that their needs may be more pressing than your loved one. Privately hiring a professional caregiver or nurse is the best way to get the personal care many families expect. In fact, this option is often available in most facilities. If you’re happy with the community, but need a companion or “sitter”, it is possible to add a “sitter” or companion.

The length of your visit is not as important as how you spend it

I observed that many residents’ spouses spent the majority of their days at the nursing home over the years. It might seem that having visitors constantly visiting the nursing home would cause problems for staff, but it was actually quite the opposite. These people helped their spouses and also pushed other wheelchair users down to the meals. When it was time to do crafts, they helped residents. They made it their mission to visit the elderly and were a vital part of the facility’s daily operations. They were careful to not interfere with the work of staff.

Although placing a loved one into a nursing home reduces caregivers’ responsibilities, it does not mean that they are eliminated. To ensure that seniors are receiving high-quality care, they still require an advocate. To feel loved and important, seniors need to be surrounded by family members. This is the lesson: The best caregivers treat the nursing facility as an ally and not a threat, and they do everything possible to make their loved ones’ lives better.

Limit family visits in Assisted Living Community

There have been many comments regarding facilities that restrict family visits in assisted living in Myrtle Beach. These facilities have staff who claim that it is difficult for residents to allow their loved ones to visit. To help seniors adjust, they recommend that they not visit for at least a few weeks.

This is not to say that this approach isn’t appropriate for elders. This recommendation is not for all elders. Many seniors worry that they will be “dumped at some facility and forgotten”. It is important to know that their loved ones are there to support them and keep them occupied. Regular visits from friends and family helped my parents feel at ease and settled in. Visitors made their lives more exciting and they looked forward to spending time with us.

There is no one rule that applies to all situations. However, if the facility limits visits, inquire why. A move can cause confusion and stress for people with dementia. To help the person with dementia adjust to new surroundings, the memory care facility might recommend that they wait a few weeks before visiting. You can trust the facility and agree to their wishes for a while, but you also have the right, as a family member, to visit at any time. It could indicate a problem if they discourage visits from other reasons. It is best for nursing homes to allow family members to visit. Transparency is a positive thing.

Balance Frequency and Length of Visits

Consider staff members as people who are trying to help residents. They will resent you if we ask for more time than they have or attention that they can’t provide. This is also true for complaints. If we approach the staff as though we know they just want what’s best for the residents, it will be much easier to collaborate and devise solutions– particularly those whom they feel responsible to see through. Staff will not go the extra mile to help you or your loved ones if they feel judged and treated as enemies.

Bottom line: If you have a positive attitude and realistic expectations, you will be welcomed by most assisted living communities when you visit to see a loved-one.

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Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now if you are looking for an assisted living facility in Myrtle Beach.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

ARE COUPLES ABLE TO LIVE IN ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER?

It is always a big life-changing decision to move into an assisted living facility. This decision and the transition are made easier if a couple is able to move together.

Senior couples can live together in many communities of independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing facilities, and memory care centers.

In many cases and especially when a couple has been married for many decades, being able to live together could determine whether or not they move to an assisted-living facility.

There are many apartment layouts available for couples in senior living communities. These include studios, one-bedrooms or two-bedrooms as well as suites. Many apartments have all the comforts of a luxury condo. These include a private bathroom, hand-held showers and fully equipped kitchens. Couples have the option to choose the size, features, and care levels that work best for them.

The first step is a Geriatric Functional Assessment

It is important to assess each spouse’s individual needs and abilities in order to ensure that they receive the best care possible in their new home. A typical assessment of prospective residents involves a review of a person’s behavior, chronic illness, communication abilities, dietary needs, ability to perform daily activities, ability to manage medications, and other factors.

An assessment can be done by a doctor, a social worker or a geriatric manager at the senior living community that the couple is interested in moving into. It will be easier for the couple’s to determine whether they need long-term care facilities. If both spouses require assistance with daily living activities, an independent living community is not a good choice unless they also employ in-home care services. The spouse who requires the most care will usually decide which senior living facility can accommodate them.

After the couple has chosen a community that meets their needs, a staff member should perform a comprehensive assessment of each spouse before they move in. The evaluation will determine the amount of care each spouse needs, the services they will need, and the cost of that care. Reflections recommends a follow-up assessment be done 30 days after move-in and every six months thereafter.

Cost of Assisted Living for Couples

Costs for senior living in a couple vary depending on what type of care they require and how much assistance each spouse needs. It can be difficult to estimate costs when one spouse needs more care than the others. George, for example, has greater needs due to Alzheimer’s and limited mobility. He needs assistance with dressing, medication management, bathing, and dressing. Also, he requires supervision to keep him from wandering. Mary, on the other hand is completely independent and can still care for herself.

Rent is only charged for the unit that the couple shares, unless the additional fee is required for the second occupant. As long as the facility can meet the needs of each spouse, they are eligible for the care they need. Sometimes spouses might want their own rooms, or adjoining units. There are many options available in each community.

The key to caring for the weakest spouse in a couple is to take care of them both. A couple can live together and that just the spouse requiring more care will be charged for it.

A monthly cost for a place in an assisted-living facility may start at $1,500. However, each spouse will need to pay more depending on where they live, what amenities they choose, and how much additional services they require. According to the Genworth 2019 Cost of Care Survey, the median monthly cost for an apartment with a one-bedroom in an assisted living residence in the United States is $4,051.

Many senior care communities have tiered pricing models that include bundled services. A resident who requires very little assistance might be placed in the lowest tier. Their tier level (and their costs) will increase as their needs change. You may also see fee-for-service and all-inclusive pricing models.

Plan for the Future Care of a Couple

There are many options for couples who need more care than what a senior living facility can offer. Many residential communities provide multiple levels of care within the same building or campus. Continuing care retirement community (CCRCs), which offer all levels of elder care, including independent living and skilled nursing care, are very popular.

George and Mary did not choose to purchase into a CCRC. However, they chose to move into a combination assisted living and memory care facility. Mary and George can move into an apartment in the memory-care wing of the same property if George’s needs are greater than the assisted living staff can handle. Mary can choose to remain in assisted living while George goes to the secure memory unit.

It is usually a short walk down a corridor, an elevator ride up to another floor, or a short stroll towards a neighboring building. Mary could still visit her husband in this scenario even though they would be technically living apart. While they can both participate in activities and dine together in the memory unit, Mary could have respite in her apartment while George receives the highest level of dementia care.

Balanced Care for Seniorly Couples

It is often a delicate balance act to find the right care for a couple who has different needs. It is often about prioritizing the needs and wants of both individuals. When two people are at different stages in their lives and want to live together, concessions are inevitable. Negotiating with a spouse who is suffering from cognitive decline can be difficult. The best thing is to work as a family and reach a compromise.

Finding the right senior living facility in Myrtle Beach can be difficult for one person, let alone two. As these changes can be very costly and difficult for seniors, it is important to reduce the number of people who move between care settings. A geriatric care manager can be a valuable resource for many senior couples.

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Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now if you’re looking for a reputable and trusted assisted living community in Myrtle Beach.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

 

TIPS FOR TOURING AN ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

It takes research and a lot of discussions to find an assisted living community that will meet your loved one’s needs. This is not something you should make blindly. Before you and your loved ones make a decision, it’s important to visit potential communities.

Adult children often find it easier to visit different senior living communities without their parent. Many people have a general idea of the preferences and needs of their senior relatives. This allows them to eliminate any that are not a good match. This allows the adult child and parent to visit the top two or more communities together.

No matter what approach you take, it is important to plan ahead in order to make the most of every tour.

Touring An Assisted Living Community

These are some tips to help guide you in your search for the right answers.

1. To narrow your options, you can discuss the preferences of your loved one.

What would make your loved one flourish in a more luxurious environment? Would they prefer a more relaxed environment? Which activities are they most interested in and would they like to continue participating?

Every assisted living community is unique, so you want to find the one that will make your loved one feel at home.

2. Examine the ratio of staff to residents.

Do you notice a sense of stress in the staff? Are they happy and smiling? Is there enough staff to take care of the residents?

These are important observations.

3. You can see how the staff treats residents.

The staff’s treatment of residents is a more important aspect than the ratio of staff and residents.

To observe staff’s behavior when you don’t think anyone is watching, be an impartial observer.

4. You can take a formal tour or just wander around the neighborhood on your own.

You will be introduced to all of the amenities and services in the community during the formal tour. It’s not until you see the community in person, walk through the halls and visit the cafeteria that you can truly appreciate it.

Ask the staff member to let you wander around after your formal tour.

5. Enjoy a meal together in the community

You can assess the nutritional quality of the food in the community by sharing a meal in the dining hall with residents. Pay attention to the behavior of staff and residents.

Are they welcoming and friendly? Are they happy to socialize over a meal? Is it possible for your loved one to make new friends?

6. Chat with the residents

There is a good chance that residents of assisted living communities will be open to having visitors and are happy to chat. The following questions are recommended:

• How long have your lived here?
• Do you enjoy living here?
• What are you most interested in doing during the day?
• Are the staff friendly and attentive?
• Are caregivers friendly
• Are you sure it is worth it?

7. Ask about transportation and day trips.

Ask staff for information about enrichment opportunities and services in the area, from shopping to cultural art. These services are available in what form of transportation does the community provide? Is there a schedule for day trips that residents can take?

8. Ask about the hospitals and doctors in your area.

Examine the local doctors, physical therapists and other healthcare professionals. You can also search for hospitals and physicians in the vicinity.

Verify the credentials and licensing of staff doctors. Is your loved one still able to see their regular doctor or will they need to find a new provider?

Making the Right Decision

There are many factors that go into choosing an assisted living in Myrtle Beach for your loved one. A personal tour is a great way to make an informed decision. Visit Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest community today to see what makes us different.

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Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now and let us help you decide why you need to choose our facilities for your loved ones.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

SMALL CHANGES THAT HELP WITH ASSISTED LIVING

Although assisted living communities offer seniors the chance to remain independent, it is not always easy to transition from your home to assisted living.

It can be difficult and even traumatizing to leave behind a home and neighborhood with many fond memories. However, there are ways you can help one or both parents ease the transition into this new phase.

Ways For Easier Transition To Assisted Living

1. SWITCH UP YOUR DECOR

Although assisted living in Myrtle Beach is often beautifully furnished, it is possible for seniors to feel uncomfortable in unfamiliar decor. You can make your parent feel more at home in the new apartment by providing familiar objects.

To promote a home-like atmosphere, some assisted living communities even allow families to bring their own furniture. If custom furniture is not an option, personal touches like framed photos, cherished knickknacks, and books can add a sense of home to new surroundings. You might also consider artwork, personal door signs, drawings from grandkids, and a favorite blanket to drape over the bed.

2. RETHINK VISITS

It’s easy for someone to say “I’ll be there soon.” You can schedule specific visits with Mom and Dad to ensure they have a familiar face they look forward to seeing. Encourage family, friends, and former neighbors to do so.

It can be much easier for seniors to transition to assisted living if they know that they won’t cut off any ties to their lives. It allows your parents to socialize and participate in community activities without worrying about missing a loved one.

3. PROMOTE PARTICIPATION

The many activities that seniors can participate in while in an assisted living facility are just one perk. The best senior communities emphasize the importance of participation. Your parents are likely to have many hobbies to choose from, such as arts and crafts, bingo, volunteering opportunities and cultural outings.

These activities encourage social connections which are so important during this transition. Some activities could enhance motor skills, as well as keep the mind of seniors sharp. Grab an event calendar and make sure that your parent is aware of what the community has to share. Encourage participation.

4. ENCOURAGE LEARNING

Encourage your parents to learn new skills to ease the transition between lifestyles. Experts believe that learning new skills, developing hidden talents, and increasing knowledge can all increase the level of emotional satisfaction for older adults. Brightview offers regular classes and programs to help our seniors.

For information on seminars that are available to caregivers and family members, check the assisted living facility where your parents live. These seminars can provide valuable information that may help you or your parent.

5. HANG A CALENDAR

When transitioning parents into senior living, calendars are a great tool. You can remind your parents to fill it with family birthdays, scheduled visits, and other special events.

For a quick reminder of the opportunities they have in their new community, make sure you include interesting community activities such as bingo, fitness classes, or religious services.

6. PLUG IN TO GET A BETTER CONNECTION

It doesn’t matter if it’s a tablet, a smartphone, or a tablet, you need to ensure that your parent can keep in touch with you, even if they don’t live close enough.

Video conferencing is a modern technology that allows parents to see familiar faces and keep in touch with their friends. To make your parent feel at home, there’s nothing better than seeing grandkids face-to-face.

7. GIVE PARENTS INDEPENDENCE

It is important to keep in touch with your parents during assisted living transitions, but it’s equally important that you give them the freedom to create their lives in their new home.

Encourage your parents not to rely on you but to turn to the community for help. Many programs have activities coordinators and affiliated clergy members who can answer questions and offer encouragement to help you transition to a new and exciting way of living.

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Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest wants to make your parent’s transition into senior living as easy and comfortable as possible. Contact Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest to learn more about our communities or explore them.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

WHAT ARE THE THREE PRINCIPLES OF ASSISTED LIVING?

Senior residents will receive the best care by following the principles of assisted living. These principles ensure that assisted living and nursing home residents are treated with respect and compassion.

Let’s take a closer look at these three principles so that you can understand what to expect from assisted living communities for you and your loved ones.

3 Guiding Principles of Assisted Living

1. Person-Centered Care

This guiding principle will ensure that loved ones receive care that is tailored to their needs. This is vital because it makes sure that assisted living in Myrtle Beach is not a one-size fits all approach.

Every resident is different. They are cared for according to their individual needs, not those of the majority. This supports each resident’s daily life. This ensures that they receive the best care possible.

One resident may benefit from daily jogging but it could be detrimental to another. This applies in some cases to diet and other activities. It is important to adhere to the first principle at all costs and not deviate from it.

2. Always practice ethics

Trust is the foundation for any assisted living community. This includes being open with residents about all matters and ensuring that seniors are treated ethically and morally in these communities.

Integrity is therefore essential to the operation of assisted living facilities. This principle is inextricably linked to the second. This ensures that everyone receives the same high-quality care.

This principle is common in senior care facilities all across the United States. You want to ensure that your loved one is treated the same as the other residents when they make the transition to assisted living communities or nursing homes.

3. Mission Statement

The mission statement of each assisted living community should focus on the improvement of the environment and care for every resident. Access to all mission statements should be available to communicate the facility’s values and goals.

Staff training should be continuous so that everyone on the team is current with the mission statement. This ensures that everyone on the staff is aware of the community’s goals and that their actions reflect them.

Every assisted living community should have a constant drive to improve its operations and care. Residents of assisted living communities will receive the best care and attention if this is done. These three principles should be followed by all staff members. This will ensure that every community functions at its highest level and continues prospering.

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Get in touch with Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest. Our team is passionate about helping families find the best senior care services for their loved ones. We are happy to help you explore all your options.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR SENIOR PARENT REJECTS ASSISTED LIVING

It is difficult to age. This can lead to more pain, mobility problems, and difficulty managing your own life. So many seniors want to be independent. According to a survey, 90% of seniors want to “age in peace,” meaning that they will remain in their homes for the next five-10 years. About two-thirds of seniors require assistance with at least one task each day. It can be difficult when your mind is focused on one thing, but your body wants to take you somewhere else. Many seniors who require assisted living refuse to accept this.

These six strategies can be helpful when an elderly parent refuses assisted living in Myrtle Beach.

Ways To Help your Elderly Parent When They Refuse Assisted Living

Your approach should change

If you find that your current tactics are not working, it is time to try new strategies. Do not repeat the same message over and over again. These strategies may be worth considering:

• Give your loved one control. Do not talk about what they “have” to do. Instead, encourage them to discuss options with you.
• Instead of expressing frustration or fear, express your concern and love.
• Highlighting the many benefits of assisted living such as greater independence and ease of socialization.
• Ask for feedback from trusted people. Ask them if they think you are being pushy or controlling or if your approach is doomed for failure. Change your approach accordingly.

Back off

You might consider giving up on trying to approach your loved one gently if they are not responding. It’s easy to lose control of your life when a senior feels pressured into assisted living. Consider taking a break for a few weeks. This will allow your loved one to take a step back and think through their situation. They may even be able to evaluate their situation independently and decide that going to a senior living facility is right for them.

Show Your Feelings

A good relationship will help you feel connected to the senior in your family. Instead of telling the senior in your life that they are sick, discuss your feelings. Here are some scripts you might like to try:

• “I want you happy, but it is difficult for me to be a good father to my children by helping you with everyday tasks.
• “I feel very exhausted and you don’t seem happy. I am looking for a way that can help us both.
• “I worry so much for you because I love and care about you.” I want you to be independent, more active, and safe.

Do not tell them that they are a burden or an inconvenience. Do not tell them they are selfish. It is important to recognize your anxieties and offer assisted living as a solution.

Ask for help from others

Think about how you might feel if your partner tells you that your pants are too short. This is different from how it may feel if you hear this from a friend. It is the messenger that matters. Sometimes, changing the messenger can make all the difference. Involving other people can make your message more persuasive and help keep the family story consistent. You can enlist to support these people:

A trusted leader, such as a pastor.

Trusted physician. Encourage your doctor to emphasize the dangers associated with living alone.

A family member with whom you have a good relationship. Is mom open to listening to her son? Does dad have a lot of influence over the grandkids? Ask them.

A family intervention may be necessary if your loved one refuses to cooperate. However, it is important to proceed with caution. Your goal should not be to make your loved one feel bullied or forced, but rather to express concern.

Get Legal Support

You may need outside help if your loved one refuses to live in assisted living, but is in imminent danger. An elder care lawyer will help you evaluate your options and advise you on how to seek guardianship. Or, a geriatric social worker can refer you. You may feel angry or hurt for your loved one. This is better than a life-threatening injury or a car accident that causes harm to another person.

It doesn’t need to be difficult or painful to talk about senior care options. These helpful tips will help you change the conversation to make it more positive and enable your loved one to get the support that they need.

Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now if you’re looking for a great community for your elderly parent.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/