Loved ones over the age of 65 who are in need of memory care in Bexar County, TX will sometimes be reluctant to relocate. This is understandable, as people generally resist change and elders have often lived in the same location for many years, and are emotionally attached to it. Below are five things you can do to persuade them.
Involve Them in the Decision Making Process
If your current approach isn’t working, you’ll need to switch tactics. You’ll definitely want to avoid arguments at all costs, and if trying to persuade your parent or grandparent, you should include them in the decision making process as a show of respect. Emphasize the benefits of living in a retirement community and show them brochures of different places in the area so they can decide which one they like.
Know When to Back Down
If your attempts to gently persuade your loved one to relocate aren’t working, sometimes it’s better to back down for the time being. When a retiree is uninterested in assisted living but feels they are being badgered to do it, this can make them more resistant, due to the fear that they are losing control of their life. Give them some time to think things over and assess the situation, as they may come over to your way of thinking.
Find Out Why They Are So Hesitant
There are a number of reasons why elders are often reluctant to relocate into a retirement community. Some are hesitant to move because they fear a loss of autonomy and have a deep attachment to their current home. After all, this is the place where they raised the family and have many fond memories, and they are essentially being asked to relocate into a strange place they have no connection to, which is a major request. One way to overcome it is to point out that the property will remain in the hands of the family and the children or grandchildren will continue to care for it and reside there.
Be Honest About Your Feelings
If caring for your aging loved one is taking an emotional and physical toll on you, don’t be afraid to admit it. Let them know that helping them with daily tasks has become too exhausting and it is beginning to impact other areas of your life. Inform them that with assisted living they will be cared for by dedicated professionals who will give them everything they need, and the family will still visit.
Request Legal Support
If you’ve tried all the previous options and your parent or grandparent still refuses to relocate, and you believe their life is endangered as a consequence, you might need to request outside support. There are attorneys that specialize in elder care and they can go over a list of options and when you should consider getting guardianship. There are also geriatric based social workers that can offer assistance. If you choose this route, your loved one will probably be upset with you, but it’s better than them or someone else sustaining a serious injury which permanently damages or ends their life.
