How to persuade an aging parent or relative to move to assisted living: that is the premise of many elder care blogs, articles and books. It’s often the adult children versus their parents, children who believe Mom and Dad would do better in an assisted living community where they could connect with peers, have meals prepared for them, and never need to do yard work or clean the house again. Maybe the concerns are about daily care needs, and a daughter would sleep better at night knowing there was round-the-clock supervision for Mom, or someone to check in on Dad on a more consistent basis than she can while she’s raising her own children.
However, there are instances where parents would rather not be a burden on their family (whether this perception is justly imposed or not), would rather not have their children put their lives on hold in order to care for them. Perhaps some post-retirement seniors actually feel that they can better preserve their independence and autonomy by choosing assisted living or independent living of their own accord, and not because their children recommended it. They may also prefer to move to assisted living before the kids get involved, so they can choose the community themselves.
Regardless of your family’s situation, always remember that your parents are still your parents. Don’t let your concerns about their care get in the way of respecting their role and right to choose.
Talk back: Did your parents choose assisted living willingly?


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