4 Ways Families Can Support Seniors in Assisted Living Care

One of a senior’s biggest sources of anxiety about moving to an assisted living community is the fear that they’ll be simply “dropped off” and forgotten, like a piece of old furniture stored away in an attic. That’s the last thing we want our loved ones to feel as they make the transition to assisted living, but how do we help?

Here are a few ways that families can be active in staying connected with their elderly members before, during, and after the transition.

1. Help With Logistics and Paperwork

Just like with any move, a move to assisted living includes logistics to be worked out and forms to complete. You can act as a liaison for your loved one, looking over medical paperwork and prescriptions, helping them to understand what it means, and ensuring that everything gets taken care of in a timely manner. Staff members are always on hand for assistance, but you know your family member best, and can be an invaluable help in ensuring the process runs smoothly and stays positive.

2. Advocate for Their Needs

Sometimes seniors may feel self-conscious asking for help or expressing discomfort. Help your loved one communicate their needs to staff members in a positive, constructive way. Act as an extra set of eyes and ears in important meetings with staff and administrators to ensure that your parent or grandparent understands what’s being discussed, and to give them some moral support in case they need help communicating their thoughts. Doing so will help your relative form a better relationship with their caregivers, making the assisted living experience better for everyone involved.

3. Be a Listening Ear

Schedule regular phone calls to listen to your loved one’s worries and concerns, and be sure to validate how they’re feeling without trying to talk them out of any negative emotions. Saying things like, “Wow, that must be frustrating,” or “It sounds like it’s been a tough day,” will give your loved one the opportunity to vent, and can gently dissolve negative feelings as they feel heard and validated.

After listening and validating their concerns, be sure to offer some positive news or a funny story to lighten their mood. And if they have positive news to share, be sure to express your enthusiasm and cheerful support. Encourage them to keep trying new things and enjoying all that assisted living has to offer.

4. Keep Them in the Loop

Reassure your loved one that although their geographic location has changed, it doesn’t mean their place in the family has changed. Continue to include them in family celebrations and visit them often. Take a moment to drop a note in the mail to let them know you’re thinking of them, or have flowers sent just because. Little remembrances let them know they’re still on your mind and in your heart.

During phone calls or visits, consider asking your relative for advice on a problem or concern of your own. Just because they need assistance with everyday tasks doesn’t mean they still can’t assist others by drawing on their own lifetime of wisdom-building experiences, and you might be surprised at what a good listening ear they can be for you as well.

Actively seeking to support your loved one in assisted living will help them not only transition into a new way of life, but also help them thrive in it. Contact us at Mayberry Gardens to find out how we can help you and your aging relative make the positive transition to senior living today.