Questions to Ask Your Mother When Considering Senior Living
The time has come for uncomfortable decisions: You're worried that your mother may need to transition to a different living situation.
Senior living discussions can be incredibly difficult. Older folks often have deep connections to their independence and value living on their own.
If you don't know where to start when it comes to planning for your aging parent, this guide is for you. Read on to learn about some of the questions to ask your mother to facilitate an assisted living transition in Oakland, CA.
Are You Lonely?
Seniors often feel lonelier as they age. Loneliness can stem from a variety of factors, such as:
- Loss of a spouse
- Lack of transportation
- Neighbors moving away
- Fewer opportunities for connection
- No children in the house
According to the NIH, older adults have a higher risk of depression. When your loved one is isolated, feelings of loneliness can compound, putting them at risk for serious depression.
Senior living communities offer easy opportunities to connect with others in similar circumstances. Smaller living quarters mean your neighbors are more accessible as well.
What Activities Have Become Challenging for You?
Giving up independence can be difficult for seniors, especially for those who have been living independently for decades. Asking about abilities is one key elder care question to determine whether your loved one needs help.
For instance, if your mother has a hard time cooking and feeding herself or doing laundry, it may be time to transition to senior living. Our community offers amenities such as Elevate Dining, where our residents can indulge in chef-prepared meals that meet nutritional needs.
Assisted living apartments are suitable for seniors with mobility challenges. Since the floor plans are usually downsized, they won't have to travel as far to access things that they need.
Do You Feel Safe Alone at Home?
When your mother loses her spouse or another significant person, living alone at home can be challenging. She may feel unsafe without another person in the house.
Ask her if she feels comfortable going to sleep at night with her current security measures. See if she knows how to call for help if she has an accident and needs to contact the paramedics.
Moving your loved one to assisted living can offer peace of mind. At The Point at Rockridge, our memory care program helps keep residents secure while still fostering independence and enrichment.
Have You Had Any Falls or Medical Incidents?
Falls are a major red flag that your mother may need more help. Falling as a senior can be dangerous; rather than just getting back up and suffering from a bruise, seniors can break a hip or suffer a cardiac event.
Ask your mother if she has had any accidents in the past few months. If she says no, continue the conversation and inquire about medical incidents.
What Health Changes Would Prompt a Move?
Perhaps your loved one isn't quite ready to make the transition to a senior living community. You can still glean valuable information regarding what would prompt them to make that decision.
For instance, your mother may let you know that it's time if she has difficulty doing basic day-to-day activities.
It can become especially challenging if your loved one suffers from dementia or Alzheimer's Disease. When your mother is no longer lucid, full-time memory care is a better option for peace of mind and a comfortable standard of living.
Are You Comfortable Managing Your Own Healthcare Needs?
Ask your mother if she is able to take her medication on time. Ensure she understands how to take each type of medication as well as the frequency.
Healthcare needs can be more complex for seniors with issues such as type II diabetes. Measuring blood sugar and injecting insulin might be difficult for seniors with reduced dexterity.
If your loved one starts forgetting doses of important medication or can't administer liquid medications properly, they may need extra help from a qualified professional.
Would You Prefer to Stay Close to Family?
While having family members provide care is ideal, it isn't always feasible. One of the most valuable family caregiving tips is to try and find a senior community close to family.
This way, family can visit frequently, and your mother won't feel abandoned or alone. You will also be close by in case of an accident or an emergency.
Alternatively, ask your mother if she has ever wanted to live anywhere else. She may have had dreams to reside in a different city, but never got the chance.
Would You Prefer a Family Caregiver or a Senior Community?
Sometimes elderly people do not want to feel like a burden on their family. In today's economy, it is even more difficult for families to take care of their aging loved ones due to commitments such as careers and children.
If your mother prefers to have family take care of her, do your best to honor her wishes. Even if she needs to transition to a senior community, try to establish a schedule for regular visits.
What's Important to You in a New Community?
Your mother may have non-negotiables when it comes to her new senior living community. Compile a list of her preferences and utilize it when searching for communities in your area.
The most important elder care questions may include:
- Size of the apartment
- Availability of amenities
- Dining options
- Proximity to community
- Events and classes offered
- Cost
Aging parent planning is a collaborative process. Take your mother to a few communities in the area that fit most or all of her needs. Ensure she knows that her opinion is the most important.
Consider These Questions to Ask Your Mother
Discussing care options with elderly parents shouldn't feel uncomfortable. By using these questions to ask your mother, you can evaluate her needs and determine the next steps in your care plan.
For seniors residing in Oakland, CA, The Point at Rockridge is an ideal solution for care at every stage of life. We offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care, and our amenities include a movie theater and fitness center.
Is your loved one prepared to transition to a senior living community? Reach out to us today to learn more. We're here and ready to answer any questions you may have.