Holiday Reflections: How to Talk to Family About Senior Living

As the seasons change and the days get shorter, we welcome the light and joy of the holidays with open arms. It’s an excuse to spend more time with loved ones during the fall and wintertime.

And with the holidays quickly approaching, there is a natural opportunity to catch up with loved ones that we may not get often. During the festivities, you may also notice that your loved one needs more support than they have in previous years. Things such as forgetting to take regular medications, frequently falling, or experiencing cognitive changes are all common aspects of aging. These are just a few signs it might be time for assisted living or another type of senior care service.

Exploring a senior living community is about enhancing quality of life and finding a place where you or your loved one can thrive. Despite the challenging topic, these discussions arise from love and concern for parents and loved ones. 

At Springpoint Living at Manalapan, we’re here to help you before, during, and after your loved one’s transition to our community. It can be helpful to turn to experienced professionals for guidance in navigating this conversation. Here’s how to recognize the signs, how to have a conversation with your loved one, and how to navigate the next steps.

What Signs to Look For During Holiday Gatherings

Holiday gatherings offer extended observation time with loved ones, allowing for a closer examination of their behaviors and habits. While it might be challenging to accept, here are some signs it might be time for assisted living:

• Multiple home maintenance issues, such as burnt-out lightbulbs or spoiled food
• Unopened mail or unpaid bills
• Difficulty preparing meals or forgetting recipe steps
• Increased isolation or withdrawal from normal social activities
• Mobility changes while navigating their home
• Medication management difficulties 

These are just a few of the signs and observations that you may notice while seeing your loved one over the upcoming holiday season.

Preparing for the Conversation With Your Loved One

If you notice any of the above signs and behaviors in your loved one, you may wonder how to actually approach the topic with them. Here are some ways you can start the conversation with your loved one:

1. Research Communities for the Level of Care Your Loved One Might Need

Understanding everything that a senior living community offers will help you be better educated before your conversation. You can find a senior living lifestyle that your loved one would enjoy, which will eliminate the stress of them searching for a community. Springpoint at Manalapan offers both assisted living and memory care. 

2. Choose a Quiet Moment Outside of a Large Gathering

This is crucial when having difficult conversations with family members. Wait until you can find a day when your loved one is not distracted, so they don’t feel like they are put on the spot.

3. Lead With Empathy and Active Listening

Your loved one will likely have questions and concerns when you approach them with the possibility of moving to a senior living community. This is normal and understandable. Coming prepared with completed research can help ease any uncertain feelings your loved one may have.

4. Focus on the Benefits and Opportunities of Moving to a Senior Living Community Rather Than the Limitations

Ensure you position this possibility as a benefit for your loved one and the family. There are opportunities for them to receive the level of care they need while meeting new people and enjoying activities they love.

5. Be Patient With Yourself and Your Loved One

This will likely require multiple conversations with your loved one to help them understand how this can benefit everyone. Be patient and understand that the decision likely won’t be made immediately.

Highlighting the Benefits

While your loved one might be focusing on what they will lose when moving to a senior living community, help them see the benefits that could be gained with this change. It will be an adjustment for your loved one, but there are numerous benefits to living in a senior community.

Some of the benefits of living in a senior community include:

• Personalized care plans tailored to individual needs and preferences
• Assistance with daily activities while maintaining independence
• Healthy, chef-prepared meals without the hassles of cooking every day
• Meaningful social engagement with opportunities to make friends
• Wellness programs, like Springpoint Living at Manalapan’s multi-dimensional LivWell program
• Specialized memory care for those with cognitive decline
• 24/7 professional care team
• Safe and secure environment with an emergency response team

The senior living lifestyle offers quality of life improvements, including reduced isolation, enhanced safety, and peace of mind for both residents and their families.

Springpoint Living at Manalapan focuses on providing excellent care to your loved one. You and your family members will have peace of mind knowing that we offer a full continuum of care as part of our Life Plan community, should needs change in the future. 

Navigating Emotions and Taking Next Steps

Following your conversation with your loved one, it’s essential to acknowledge their grief about leaving their home and accept that they might need additional support with day-to-day activities.

Ensure that you include your loved one in touring senior living communities and in all decision-making. This will help your loved one feel more involved in the overall process, and it gives them a chance to share their preferences for this next phase of their life. Start the process of securing a spot in a senior living community before a health crisis causes rushed decisions. 

Focus on what they will gain through this senior living lifestyle, including new friendships, engaging activities, professional support, and so much more.

Stay connected with your loved one even after they transition to a senior living community. Schedule regular visits or video calls to check in on them.

We’re Ready When You Are

Holiday celebrations and gatherings naturally prompt reflection on the care needs of loved ones. It’s an opportunity to identify areas where your loved one may need a little extra support.

While having difficult conversations with family members can be challenging, these discussions are acts of love that ensure safety and quality of life.

Some benefits of living in a senior community include personalized care, social engagement, and peace of mind. Senior living communities like Springpoint Living at Manalapan offer compassionate, person-centered care, where residents can not only live, but also thrive.
Take our survey to determine if it’s the right time for senior living, or contact us today for more information about our senior living lifestyle at Springpoint Living in Manalapan.