Most seniors prefer to age in place. The familiarity of home provides security. But the security of a home environment can be shattered when an older person needs help—and there is no one to give it. Families should know what to do if a parent refuses assisted living.

As people age, their abilities to function may gradually wane. In a survey of seniors aged 70 and older, two in 10 Americans said either can’t live independently and accomplish daily tasks without assistance. Seniors may wish to remain independent, but their actual capabilities may become increasingly limited.

Know What are the ADLs

Seniors must be able to independently complete basic routines at home in order to manage their physical wellbeing. These activities of daily living (ADLs) include personal hygiene (bathing, dental hygiene, hair care), toileting, dressing, eating, and ambulating (walking or moving independently).

Recognize the IADLs

The instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) require more complex thinking skills. Examples of common IADLs include managing finances, medication, and communications (such as phone and mail). Organizing transportation, managing grocery shopping, and keeping up with home maintenance are also included in the IADLs.

Seniors who start to slow down may need help in order to maintain a high quality of life. Adjustments to living situations are an option. Families should start to discuss a future in an assisted living facility, or choose the most ideal option, home care.

Start Honest Discussions

Families are encouraged to begin honest discussions with an elderly parent as soon as possible. Talk to them about their living preferences in the event that an unanticipated health crisis, like a stroke or hip fracture, suddenly prevents them from living alone at home.

Discuss the many options seniors have these days. If an assisted living facility sounds like a last resort, consider home care as a more attractive option. By utilizing home care, the senior has the opportunity to continue living at home while receiving quality support from an in-home caregiver.

Be prepared for an elderly parent resisting the idea of an assisted living facility. Remember that transitions to such facilities are usually a result of a transformative life event, such as the death of a spouse, financial difficulties, or physical challenges in maintaining the home environment.

The key to successful discussions is sensitivity and temporarily backing off. Listen to what the aging parent has to say and be attentive to their feelings. A useful strategy is to bring up the topic of assisted living, back off for a brief while and then resume discussions.

Evaluate Pros and Cons

Discuss positive aspects of assisted living, especially if the senior is a social person. Explain to the elderly parent that an assisted living facility is filled with people with whom to share meals and engage in activities together. A social senior will be open to hearing about the communal atmosphere.

On the other hand, a more private senior will prefer a home environment. Home care, as mentioned, is an ideal living arrangement for seniors who seek a more private lifestyle. A professional in-home caregiver is trained to provide customized care services, which benefits an older parent immensely.

While assisted living facilities have medical doctors, physical therapies, and a plethora of activities onsite, home care provides an equal level of personalized services. Caregivers provide the transportation to doctors’ offices and therapies. Companion caregivers also initiate stimulating games and conversations.

Enlist Outside Support

Objective third parties may help to convince Mom or Dad of the need to transition to an assisted living facility. Families may seek out the support of people they trust, like a pastor or family physician. Other relatives who have influence over the senior should be sought out, too.

Some adult children may need to seek out the legal help of an elder care lawyer to review their options. An experienced lawyer has access to a network of connections, including geriatric social workers to whom they refer families. The lawyer can also provide advice about seeking guardianship.

Change is frightening for most people, and seniors are no exception. An older parent who has lived in the same home environment for years is likely to experience a strong emotional reaction to moving, even to places like an assisted living facility.

An aging parent may also fear the physical aspect of moving to an assisted living facility. Seniors require assurance and plenty of support in order to make the move successfully. They also need to be reassured that family members will continue to be involved, or more involved, in their lives.

When your elderly parent refuses to move into an assisted living facility, consider an alternative, like home care from Assisting Hands Home Care. Since most seniors prefer to continue living at home, hiring a professional caregiver from our home care agency satisfies the desires of an older parent.

Home care is warranted now, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to cause severe illness and death, especially to seniors in nursing homes. The close quarters of these facilities allow Covid-19 to spread rapidly. Prevent your loved one from being exposed to SARS-CoV-2 by hiring reliable home care.

Assisting Hands Home Care professionals are bonded, licensed and insured, so that families have maximum peace of mind. We provide assistance with all the ADLs. Our services are flexible, and may be arranged as respite care, 24-hour home care, live-in care, post-surgical care or in-home memory care.

Whether your aging parent requires minimal assistance a few hours per week or extensive personal care daily, Assisting Hands Home Care will customize a workable care plan to meet those needs. Our care plans are updated regularly as the senior’s care needs change.

Home care from Assisting Hands Home Care allows aging parents to be as independent as possible in the comfort of home. Our compassionate caregivers are there when your loved one needs help. Families with seniors living in Dallas, Richardson, and Forth Worth, Texas are encouraged to contact us at (214) 865-7870 for a free in-home assessment.