According to the National Council on Aging, there were an estimated 70 assisted living communities in Jacksonville, FL, by the end of 2023. These communities offer a safe and supportive environment where seniors receive personalized care.

They also offer opportunities for social interactions and access to enriching activities that help improve the quality of life. Despite the undeniable benefits, some seniors may resist moving into such communities. This resistance can create emotional and physical challenges as you strive to offer them the best care.

What should you do when an elderly parent refuses assisted living? Your approach can affect your relationship with them and their well-being. A dismissive approach will only create tension and more resistance.

Here are practical steps to address your elderly parent’s refusal to assisted living

Understand Their Concerns

Understanding your elderly parent’s concerns allows you to approach the situation with empathy and respect. It also helps you determine where their resistance is stemming from. Some of the deep-seated fears they might have include:

Fear of losing independence
Discomfort with change
Attachment to home
Misconceptions about assisted living

To address their fear, choose a convenient time of the day when they are in a good mood and initiate the conversation. Allow them to express their fears and reservations about assisted living. Acknowledge their feelings and don’t rush to provide solutions.

Educate Them About Assisted Living Benefits

If their resistance is due to a lack of information about assisted living, take the time to educate them. Let them know what such communities offer and the benefits they will get from them. Assure them that they will not lose their independence.

Help them understand how this choice will be a relief to them and their family. If they are uncomfortable with change, promise them a smooth transition. They can start with short-term stays to familiarize themselves with the new environment.

Such assurances will help them understand that assisted living is not about sending them away but about giving them an opportunity for a better quality of life.

Involve Them in the Decision Making

Involving them in decision-making helps them feel in control of their life choices. It also eases their anxiety, allowing them to be open to new ideas.

Discuss with them the different care options available. Let them make their own assessments and decide what is best for both of you.

When raising concerns, use the “I” statement. Statements like “I want you to be safe” and “I want you to be happy” make them feel your main concern is them.

You can also visit a few assisted-living communities together. Check out if the communities have social activities like Sensations dining. This will help them get first-hand experience of what life is like in such communities.

Also, set realistic expectations together. Let them know the challenges to expect during the transition, but assure them of your full support. Lastly, allow them to choose a community where they will feel most comfortable.

Address Financial Concerns When Convincing Elderly Parents

Uncertainty surrounding the affordability of assisted living can create resistance. Your elderly parent might be worried that such a transition will deplete their savings. They might also fear becoming a financial burden to the family.

This fear can make them opt to remain at home with minimal care. To solve this, discuss with them the options available to fund the transition. Assess their existing insurance policies and the available government programs.

Before picking an affordable community, do cost comparisons and budgeting. You can also involve a financial planner to assist you in devising a more practical financial solution.

Once your senior is assured that the finances are in order, they will be less apprehensive about making the transition.

Back Off for a While

Persistent pressure can make your elderly parents feel overwhelmed and frustrated. Give them some space to reflect on their options and come to a conclusion.

Let them know you understand this is a big decision that will require some time to consider. You can also encourage them to do independent research about assisted living.

Offer support in the household chores they find challenging. During such times, they might become more open to considering the alternative option of assisted living.

Explore Elder Care Options

Exploring senior living alternatives can help your elderly parent understand the need for care outside their home. It shows them that you are open to finding a solution that works best for their emotional and physical needs. It also gives you the chance to assess the level of care needed.

Some of the other options you can access include in-home care and adult day programs. These options can serve as interim solutions, allowing your elderly parent to adjust to the idea of outside help gradually.

Seek Professional Help

Handling elder resistance can be overwhelming. With such resistance, striking a balance between their emotional and physical needs becomes a challenge. At this point, a professional can help.

They will assess the level of care needed, and with their expertise, they can convince your senior to transition into assisted living. Some of the professionals you can consult include:

Geriatric counselors
Social workers
Family therapists

If your parent’s refusal to move to assisted living is rooted in cognitive decline, obtain power of attorney or guardianship. This will allow you to make medical and financial decisions on their behalf to ensure their health needs are met.

Discover What to Do When Elderly Parent Refuses Assisted Living Today

Assisted living communities offer personalized care to improve the quality of life of seniors. When your elderly parent refuses assisted living, they miss the chance to access quality care and support 24/7. Follow the above guide and learn what to do when your elderly parent resists assisted living.

Are you looking for an assisted living community in Jacksonville, FL, that will offer convenience and reliability to your loved one? At Discover Village at Deerwood, we’ve got you covered. We offer retirement living with the convenience and reliability of a continuum of care, including assisted living and SHINE® Memory Care.