As one of the nation’s leading providers of senior living, our team is often contacted by adult children for information and advice. A frequently asked question is if an adult child should visit assisted living communities alone first or if they should bring their parent along.
That’s a tough question for us to answer without learning a little more about the senior and their unique situation. When we talk with families by phone, we usually ask a few more questions to help them decide what is best.
Here are a few factors we encourage adult children to consider.
Should Adult Children Tour Assisted Living With or Without a Parent?
1. Is the senior on board with making this move?
If a parent is ready and willing to move to assisted living, they might want to be involved in all aspects of the process. They may welcome the opportunity to tour different communities, meet new people, and enjoy a tasty, chef-inspired meal at the community.
If the senior isn’t on board with this transition, it might be more advisable for family members to visit alone first. Loved ones can tour the community and decide if the culture and environment feel like a good match. Narrowing down the list to a few well-qualified communities can make it easier on a senior who isn’t excited about moving.
2. Is the older adult able to make their own decisions?
Some seniors feel a sense of pride in making this decision on their own even if you come along as their driver. Others might find the sheer number of choices and decisions paralyzing.
Think about your parent’s personality and personal situation. Does your parent become overwhelmed and anxious when making important decisions? Do they have some degree of memory loss that makes decision making more difficult? Or do they have a strong desire to make decisions on their own?
3. Does the senior have outdated stereotypes about senior housing?
It isn’t uncommon for older adults to harbor outdated ideas about what assisted living is. Misperceptions are often linked to old-fashioned nursing homes, not modern day assisted living communities. Visiting a variety of communities in person can help the senior get a true idea of the many benefits and services offered in assisted living.
How you answer these questions may help you decide whether to visit assisted living communities on your own first or with your aging parent.
Make the Most of Your Assisted Living Visit
At Five Star Senior Living, our door is always open to seniors and their families. We know that time spent visiting and touring assisted living communities helps families make an informed choice.
We invite you to schedule a personal tour and be our guest for lunch or dinner. Our chef-inspired meals showcase the best in senior living dining. You’ll also have an opportunity to learn more about our innovative MyChoice Dining program. It’s designed to give residents more freedom and flexibility when it comes to dining!