Our Weatherford elder law attorneys understand that the idea of transitioning a parent to an assisted living facility is never an easy conversation to have, no matter how much an elderly parent may benefit from such a move. Most senior citizens will flat out refuse to move from the home they've known for years into unfamiliar surroundings. Given time, though, most senior citizens will find that they'll have more opportunities to enjoy themselves and the company of others living in their community once daily tasks like cleaning, cooking, and doing laundry are removed from their plate. There are several Weatherford skilled nursing facilities and Weatherford assisted living facilities that offer excellent care to choose from. The following are some ways you can continue to have a positive conversation about transitioning an elderly parent to a Weatherford assisted living facility:
Bring in a professional to do an assessment.
Emotions can easily take over for every party involved when the topic of transitioning from a home to an assisted living facility comes up. That's why healthcare professionals, social workers, and elder law attorneys are always willing to step in and make an honest assessment about the level of care your parent needs, and whether it's appropriate for them to stay in their own home or instead move to a senior living community.
Get the whole family involved
While you obviously don't want your elderly parent to feel like you and your other loved ones are forcing them to move out of their house, it's important to reach a consensus with the other decision-makers in your family. Presenting a strong case about transitioning to this kind of move is much easier when everyone is on the same page.
Keep the important items when downsizing the home
Moving from a large house to a room in a skilled nursing facility or a skilled nursing facility makes it impossible to keep every possession. That being said, you should make every effort to bring all of your parent's keepsakes to their new home so they will have items that are familiar and loved. It can also help to bring small furnishings or furniture that will make the new place feel like home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving a Parent to Assisted Living
When Is It Time to Move a Parent to Assisted Living?
Common signs include difficulty managing daily tasks like cooking or cleaning, missed medications, frequent falls, or increasing isolation. A professional assessment from a healthcare provider or elder law attorney can help you determine if assisted living is the right next step.
How Do I Talk to a Parent Who Refuses to Move?
Approach the conversation with empathy and involve the whole family so your parent doesn't feel outnumbered or pressured. Bringing in a neutral third party, like a healthcare professional, can help make the assessment feel less personal.
What Should I Bring When Downsizing My Parent's Home?
Prioritize meaningful keepsakes and familiar furnishings that will help the new space feel like home. It's not possible to bring everything, so focus on items with the most emotional or practical value.
How Often Should I Visit a Parent in Assisted Living?
Regular contact, whether through visits, phone calls, or shared meals, helps your parent adjust and stay connected. Many families find a consistent weekly rhythm works best for both sides.
Make sure to visit or call often
It's crucial to maintain contact with your parent once they've moved by visiting or calling often and helping them adjust to their new surroundings. Y
ou can plan to have weekly meals with them, either at the their new community, your home, or a restaurant, or you can call them at the same time every day.
If possible, you should try to attend events at the Weatherford assisted living facility where other family members are welcome to join.
If you would like to discuss strategies for transitioning your parent from their home to a memory care facility, or if you'd like to assess your elderly parent's situation to determine if a move to a Weatherford assisted living facility or a Weatherford skilled nursing facility could benefit them, or if you need assistance with estate planning and probate, please call: Martin Lawyers, Weatherford elder law attorneys at (817) 752-3307 to set up a complimentary telephone consultation or in-person meeting at our Aledo Elder Law Office (by appointment only).
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