Your dad has been having a harder time in his home. He doesn’t live near businesses and medical centers, and you’re not close enough to check on him daily. He’s often saying his home is too much to manage on his own, but he doesn’t want to move into a large apartment complex where he feels he’ll get lost to everyone else. Before you move him into a residential care home for senior housing, there are a few tips that can ensure it goes well.
Here’s what you need to do when looking into senior housing.
Point Out the Benefits
He may focus on having to move out of his home, but make sure you point out all of the perks that come from moving into a residential care home. Talk to him about having all meals and snacks prepared by a chef and that he orders from a menu each day. He never has to cook another meal if he doesn’t want to.
When your dad moves into this small community, he has friends living in the building, but he has his own space. He has a private apartment where he’s welcome to be by himself. When he wants to socialize, he can join others in the courtyard, community rooms, or dining room.
A care home is part of a neighborhood, so he will have safe places to go for walks. And, many other neighbors are often out walking. Residential care homes often have walking groups for residents who dislike walking by themselves.
Transportation is another benefit. Your dad will have rides to his appointments when he needs them. Regular outings are also offered, so he may find himself getting to go to a ball game, luncheon, or day at the beach. He can join in if he wants, but he’s never obligated to go.
The other benefit is that he has aides there every day to help out as needed. He has others to clean his apartment, do his laundry, change his sheets, and make his bed. Your dad has caregivers on hand to remind him when he needs to take his medications or help him schedule appointments.
Look at His Options
Go online and look at different communities and get a feel for what he most wants. His apartment space is going to be at the top of his list. Show him what a bathroom typically includes and looks like.
Explore if the apartment is furnished or if he needs to bring furniture. Can he have artwork with him or not? How about plants, a small fish tank, or a pet?
Spend Part of a Day There
Before your dad makes a final decision, ask if you can bring him by to check things out. If he’s allowed to tour the community, explore the neighborhood, and meet some of the residents, it makes it easier for him to see what life is like.
Many communities can arrange for you to take a tour and have lunch or join the residents for a planned activity. If he can join them for a trivia game, Bingo, or a movie, he’ll get a taste of what life is like.
Even if he’s hesitant now, your dad will quickly discover just how much more fulfilled he feels when he’s surrounded by friends. He has his private space, but he has others to rely on when he needs it. Talk to a residential care home specialist for senior housing options to arrange a tour or learn more about availability.
If you or an aging loved one are considering your Senior Housing Services please contact the caring staff at Connect Our Elders today! (858) 222-9241
Connect Our Elders provides free advisory and senior care planning across the U.S.
She is an experienced business development and sales professional in the non-medical home care industry and nonprofit sector.
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