Breaking Down Barriers: Encouraging Conversations About Assisted Living and Elder Care

Discussing uncomfortable topics can often be challenging. Most of us have various strategies to avoid engaging in conversations we'd rather not have.

Some choose to physically distance themselves by retreating to their rooms, basements, workshops, garages, or even the yard, regardless of the weather, just to avoid discussing certain subjects. Others attempt to swiftly change the topic, diverting the conversation away from uncomfortable territory. 

Then there are those who resort to equivocation, beating around the bush, and dodging direct questions. Over time, seniors may develop a repertoire of excuses to avoid confronting uncomfortable topics, including the idea of assisted living.

However, it's crucial to recognize that assisted living is a topic worth addressing with your spouse, yourself, aging parents, grandparents, friends, or even neighbors.

If you intend to broach the subject of elder care, particularly assisted living, with someone else, it's essential to be prepared for the excuses or objections they may raise in an attempt to steer the conversation away from it.

First and foremost, they might argue that it's too costly. 

While cost is undoubtedly a valid consideration for many, a closer examination of the numbers reveals that it can be affordable. In some cases, elderly individuals, even if they own their homes outright, might be spending nearly as much on property taxes each month as they would on a high-quality assisted living community. Additionally, assisted living facilities typically provide meals, regular medical attention, entertainment, activities, and possibly even fitness centers. The value inherent in assisted living should not be overlooked, and those who dismiss it solely based on cost may miss out on a promising future.

Another common misconception is that assisted living is no different from other forms of care. In reality, assisted living is distinct. 

While quality assisted living communities may offer some medical services, including visits from doctors, dentists, optometrists, nurses, and transportation to these specialists, the primary focus is on enhancing the quality of life. Those who choose assisted living are committed to living life to the fullest, not just surviving it, recognizing that ultimately, none of us will escape mortality.

Furthermore, some seniors mistakenly believe that their families want to get rid of them. 

For most people, this couldn't be further from the truth. However, providing care for an aging parent or spouse can be physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing, and it can be draining. When caregivers become overwhelmed, they may need to explore other elder care options, and assisted living is often one of the best choices. The decision to consider assisted living isn't driven by a desire to discard the senior, but rather by an understanding that assisted living can provide a wonderful quality of life for those who choose it.

Lastly, many seniors assume they're fine where they are. 

If that were the case, they wouldn't frequently seek help from family or friends. They wouldn't require assistance with grocery shopping, meal preparation, getting out of bed in the morning, or regular check-ins. These signs indicate that they may not be entirely self-sufficient. While they might be able to continue living in their current place, they could miss out on an exceptional long-term care option.

At the MDSL Academy, our mission is to train our physicians to understand the perspectives of our residents and their families when it comes time to consider assisted living. By helping family members overcome the barriers that seniors may assume, we aim to make the transition to assisted living a more comfortable and informed choice—for you or your loved ones alike.