What to Say to a Loved One Who Wants to Go Home from Assisted Living
When a family member moves into an assisted living facility or senior care, it can be difficult for everyone involved. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed with emotion and want to go home – but sometimes that isn’t possible. As their loved one, what should you say? How do you help them find comfort in their new surroundings while staying connected with family and friends? In this blog post we will explore how best to support your family member who is in assisted living and wants to go home. We’ll look at understanding the situation, finding comfort in new surroundings, keeping connected with family and friends, as well as making the most of each day. By doing so we hope that families can have meaningful conversations with elderly parents about adjusting to life at an assisted living facility rather than just telling them “it’s going to be okay”.
Table of Contents:
- Understanding the Situation
- Finding Comfort in New Surroundings
- Keeping Connected with Family and Friends
- Making the Most of Each Day
- FAQs in Relation to What to Say to a Family Member Who’s in assisted Living and Wants to Go Home
- Conclusion
Understanding the Situation
Assisted living is a type of care that provides support and assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. It can also provide socialization opportunities for those who may be isolated or have difficulty getting out on their own. However, making the decision is one that most families struggle with.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living facilities (ALFs) and senior care communities are designed to meet the needs of aging loved ones who need help with some activities of daily life but still want to maintain their independence. They offer 24-hour supervision and staff available to assist residents with tasks like meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry services, transportation, and more. Residents typically live in private apartments or suites within the facility and enjoy amenities like restaurant-style dining rooms, recreational areas for games or hobbies, fitness centers for exercise classes or personal training sessions. Sometimes ALFs are referred to as nursing homes, but the reality is they are much different.
Reasons for Moving to Assisted Living
There are numerous motivations for why older adults may pick an ALF over a different kind of senior living facility. A few people may require extra clinical consideration because of constant conditions that need customary observing by prepared experts; others might basically lean toward the accommodation offered by having all fundamental administrations gave in one spot instead of needing to oversee various arrangements outside the home. Moreover, family members regularly discover it hard to give satisfactory caregiving while adjusting work duties; a senior living facility offers an elective arrangement where expert parental figures can venture in when required without yielding quality time spent together as a family unit.
Common Feelings of Loss and Grief
It is important to understand the situation of moving into an assisted living facility and the feelings that may come along with it. Alot of families struggle with it, along with their aging parents, but by exploring your new surroundings, connecting with others, and participating in activities you will soon find comfort in your new home.
Finding Comfort in New Surroundings
To make this transition easier and provide reassurnace, it is important to find ways to make the new environment feel like home. Here are some tips on how to do just that:
Exploring the Facility and Making it Home:
Taking time to explore the facility and become familiar with its layout can help ease any anxiety about being in a new place. Encourage your loved one to take advantage of all that their new home has to offer, such as common areas, gardens, or recreational activities. Ask them what they would like in their room or apartment—pictures of family members, favorite books or furniture pieces—to create a sense of familiarity and comfort. This is a perfect thing to ask about when researching a place for you aging loved one. We wrote a blog to help with this research and you can read it here.
Connecting with Other Residents and Staff:
Assisted living facilities often have many opportunities for socializing with other residents and staff members who may share similar interests or experiences. Encourage your loved one to join clubs or participate in group activities so they can get involved in their community while making friends along the way.
Most assisted living facilities host regular events such as movie nights, game nights, holiday celebrations and field trips outside of the facility. These provide great opportunities for socialization while having fun. Help your loved one find activities that interest them by exploring what’s available at their facility online before visiting so they know what options are available when they arrive.
Making the transition to an assisted living facility can be a difficult adjustment, but with time and effort it is possible to find comfort in your new surroundings. By exploring the facility, connecting with other residents and staff, and participating in activities and events you will soon start to feel at home. Now let’s look at how you can keep connected with family and friends.
Keeping Connected with Family and Friends
Staying in Touch Through Technology. With the advancements of technology, staying connected with family and friends is easier than ever before. Video calls, text messages, emails and social media are all great ways to stay in touch with those you care about from afar. Setting up a regular video call schedule can help bridge the physical distance between you and your loved one. Texting or emailing photos of special moments can also be a great way to keep them updated on what’s going on in your life. Social media is another great tool for connecting with family members who may live far away; it’s easy to post updates or share funny stories that will bring everyone closer together even when they’re apart.
Scheduling Visits and Outings Together. Even though living in an assisted living facility means that some activities must be done within its walls, there are still plenty of opportunities for getting out into the community as well. Scheduling visits or outings with family members can make these experiences even more enjoyable by providing companionship during trips to museums, parks or other local attractions. Additionally, having visitors come over for dinner at the facility itself can provide an opportunity for quality time spent together without leaving home base.
Taking pictures and videos while spending time together is a wonderful way to capture memories that will last forever. Whether it’s taking selfies at a museum exhibit or filming a silly dance party at home, capturing these moments on camera allows us to look back fondly on our times spent together no matter how far apart we may be physically located later down the road.
It’s important to stay connected with family and friends while living in an assisted living facility. By utilizing technology, scheduling visits, and creating memories together, you can ensure that your loved one is still part of the family even from a distance. Now let’s look at how we can make the most of each day.
Making the Most of Each Day
Adjusting to life in an assisted living facility can be difficult, but there are ways to make the most out of each day. Setting goals and pursuing interests is a great way to stay engaged and motivated. Whether it’s learning a new language or taking up painting, having something that you look forward to doing every day can help make the transition easier. Maintaining an active lifestyle is also important for both physical and mental health. Taking walks around the facility or joining exercise classes can help keep your body healthy while providing social interaction with other residents. Finally, finding joy in small moments is key for making each day special. From enjoying nature on a sunny afternoon to playing cards with friends, appreciating these little things will bring happiness into your life even when times get tough.
FAQs in Relation to What to Say to a Family Member Who’s in assisted Living and Wants to Go Home
What to say to a patient who wants to go home?
It is understandable that you want to go home, but it is important to remember that assisted living facilities are designed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for elderly individuals. The staff at these facilities are trained professionals who can help ensure your safety and well-being. Going home may not be the best option if you need more assistance than what family members or friends can provide.
What does it mean when an elderly person says they want to go home?
When a senior loved one says they want to go home, it can mean a variety of things. It could be that they are feeling homesick and miss the familiarity of their own home or it could be that they are having difficulty adjusting to their new living situation. It is important to understand why the elderly person wants to go home in order to best address their needs. If possible, try talking with them about what “home” means for them so you can provide the appropriate care and support. In some cases, this may involve helping them find a more suitable assisted living facility or making adjustments at their current residence. Ultimately, it is important to listen, provide reassurance, and understand the elderly person’s wishes in order to provide them with the best care.
What do you say to a dementia parent who wants to go home?
It can be difficult to talk with a dementia parent who wants to go home. It is important to remember that their desire for independence and autonomy should be respected, even if it cannot always be fulfilled. The best approach is to explain the situation in a compassionate way, emphasizing the safety of staying in an assisted living facility. Remind them of the support they have from family and friends, as well as from the staff at their current residence. Offer reassurance that you are there for them and will continue to provide love and care no matter where they live. Ultimately, it is important to listen and be patient with your parent’s wishes.
Conclusion
No matter the situation, it is important to remember that there are ways to make moving to a senior living facility a positive experience. It can be difficult for family members who want to go home, but with understanding and support from their loved ones they can find comfort in their new surroundings. By staying connected with family and friends, making the most of each day, and having meaningful conversations about what matters most, families can create an environment where everyone feels safe and secure. Ultimately, when it comes time to say something to a family member who’s in assisted living and wants to go home – kindness goes a long way.
Are you a family member of someone who is in long-term care and wants to go home? Assisted Living Locators can help. Our directory offers comprehensive listings of the best Texas-based assisted living facilities, so that you can find the perfect fit for your loved one’s needs. We understand how difficult it can be when making such important decisions, which is why we strive to provide helpful advice and resources throughout the process. Contact us today if you need assistance finding a safe and secure place for your family member!
