6 Things to Do When Your Elderly Parent Refuses Assisted Living

You know they need assisted living care. But what are you supposed to do when your elderly parent refuses assisted living?

There are several reasons why your parent may need assisted living. Maybe they have osteoporosis and they are at a greater risk of breaking a hip if they fall. Perhaps you’re concerned about them living by themselves. Maybe they’re diabetic or have other chronic health conditions.

When you approach the subject, their answer is adamant: No.

How to convince a parent to go into assisted living? It’s not easy. But we’ve provided a list of 6 things that can make a huge difference.

6 Things to Do When Your Parent (or Spouse) Refuses to Go to a Senior Living Community

Put Yourself in Their Shoes

Getting older is frightening. Aging can cause anxiety, frustration and depression.

By understanding where they are coming from, you’ll be better able to address these fears head-on. Assure them that they won’t be forgotten when they move to assisted living.

You may also emphasize that they’ll have an active and enjoyable life at East Carolina Rehabilitation and Wellness, where they will make fantastic friends, enjoy a variety of activities, and finally be free from the hassles and headaches of home ownership.

Take Them on a Tour of the Facility

Maybe your parent has the wrong idea of senior living apartments or assisted living homes. Maybe they’re confusing it with a nursing home.

Even taking a virtual tour can transform their attitude, putting their minds at ease. Seeing the amenities and advantages—such as delicious home-prepared meals—can transform attitudes.

We are very excited for you to learn more about East Carolina Rehabilitation and Wellness.

Be Patient

You didn’t like it when they nagged you, and they won’t like it if you badger them constantly. If they feel you are not treating them respectfully, they may actually become more resistant to the idea of assisted living.

Change takes time. Give them the information they need to make a decision and give them a chance to consider it. Realize it may take a while before they fully recognize the daily advantages of assisted living apartment homes.

Treat Them With Respect

When parents age, your roles seem to “switch.” Now you are the one caring for them, and they may not realize you have their best interests at heart.

But in the end, they are still your parents.

They likely expect a certain amount of respect.

If you treat them like children, they could be even more resistant to consider retirement apartment homes.

The worst thing you can do is to use it as a threat. Don’t give them an ultimatum of “putting them in a home.”

You’ll find mutual respect will go a long way toward making your case.

Emphasize How Moving to Assisted Living May Help Fight Depression

Depression is more common among the elderly than many people think. A loss of independence, limited mobility and the anxiety of aging can be contributing factors to the condition.

Discuss with your parent about why they may be experiencing depression and how the social aspects of assisted living, coupled with an on-site health care team, can help lift their mood.

Get the Opinion of a Professional

In some cases, parents will listen to a doctor or health care professional before they listen to you. Use this to your advantage.

Let their doctor talk about the importance of supervised care—particularly if your parents are at high risk for falls or showing early signs of dementia.

If your parent refuses, you may wish to consider seeking legal advice.

The Best Care, The Best Staff—a New Home

It’s simple: We care for others the same way we’d like to be treated. It’s the hallmark of all we do. We believe it separates us from other assisted living facilities and skilled nursing homes near you.

Our compassionate, friendly staff always lets our residents know that they are our first priority. Schedule a virtual tour to see why our residents love living at East Carolina Rehabilitation and Wellness.

Hurry—our spaces fill quickly. Contact us today!