Parental Attitudes Toward Assisted Living Communities

Are you an adult child knowing it’s time for your parents to consider a move to assisted living but you’re not sure how to have that conversation?  An article in Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics indicates that “an older person’s mental readiness or denial of the need or likelihood of long term care placement will not affect their later adjustment.  The only significant indicator of success to adjustment in long term care communities is the person’s acceptance of the placement once it occurs.”  What does this mean for you?  It means that a reticent parent may adjust and thrive in a retirement community if you can show them the benefits of just giving it a try.  Many retirement communities offer “respite weeks” where your loved one can visit for a week, see how they like the community and then make a permanent commitment.

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