One of the most meaningful conversations a family can have is about the care and well-being of an aging loved one. Whether you’re considering aging in place or exploring senior living communities, this decision deserves thoughtful collaboration.
This guide discusses how to make the senior care decision-making process easier.
Start with Empathy and Family Support
Empathy is the key to successful senior care decision-making. It’s important to take time to truly understand what matters most to your parent or other senior loved one. When your loved one feels truly heard, they become an active participant in the decision rather than feeling like decisions are being made for them.
Here are other tips to keep in mind:
- Listen actively without judgment.
- Acknowledge the emotional toll this life event can have on your loved one.
- Validate your loved one’s feelings, whether positive or negative.
Communicate Openly
Be open and honest during your conversations and schedule a time when everyone involved can gather together and share their concerns. Remember to do the following during your discussion:
- Use “I” statements to express concerns without sounding accusatory.
- Involve healthcare providers for professional insights and accurate assessments.
- Include family members like all adult children or those who are a part of caregiving.
Identify Shared Priorities
Carve out time as a family to identify priorities. Put together a list and rank them in order of importance. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Safety and health
- Quality of life and independence
- Social connection
- Financial sustainability
- Peace of mind
- Wellness programs
- Spiritual opportunities
- Lifelong learning
- Transportation
Understand Your Senior Care Options
Aging in Place with In-Home Care
In-home care provides support with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene. In-home care partners, like those at Emory Care at Home, receive special training to assess each individual’s unique needs, abilities, and interests. Once identified, they can create a personalized plan of care to enhance quality of life.
Other home care services include light housekeeping, laundry, transportation for errands and medical appointments, meal preparation, and medication reminders.
Benefits:
- Familiar surroundings
- One-on-one attention
- Keep all personal belongings
Considerations:
- Future home modifications may be necessary
- Increased fall risk
- Potential isolation
Learn more about the benefits and how at-home care empowers seniors to live independently.
Moving to a Senior Living Community
A senior living community is a residential setting designed for older adults, offering various levels of care and support based on individual needs. Senior living communities like Emory Mills provide services that may include assistance with daily activities, healthcare coordination, meals, housekeeping, and social programming, all within a safe and accessible environment.
Benefits:
- Social opportunities
- Professional 24/7 care
- Maintenance-free living
- Structured wellness and activity programming
- Safety features
- Continuum of care
Considerations:
- Adjustment period
- Smaller living space
- Downsizing
- Costs
Discover the peace of mind that senior living communities provide.
Move Forward Together
Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all answer in senior care. The right choice is the one that best serves your loved one’s unique needs while providing your family with peace of mind.
Your decision isn’t necessarily final. As your loved one’s needs evolve, you might need to initiate another conversation about the next step in their care.
Find Compassionate Care and Specialized Support at Emory Mills
Offering a scenic view of the valley with the convenience of city living, family-owned Emory Mills provides assisted living and memory care, as well as at-home care, to older adults. The comforting, secure, and homelike environment supports each individual with person-centered care and the specialized and research-based I’m Still Here ® approach to meaningful and purposeful living, also known as The Hearthstone Difference.
