Sometimes, the first step is the hardest. That’s often true of the decision for a family member to move to an assisted living facility. Though many families are rushed into this decision due to emergency circumstances, others have time to discuss it and make plans. In a recent article in the New York Times, social worker Debra Drelich has some advice for people having “the conversation” with their aging parents who may not be ready emotionally to make the move to assisted living. Here are some of her tips:

• Ask others to help you talk to your loved one, such as physician, a clergyman or other family members
• Reassure older loved ones that a move can be a gradual process.
• Make the focus of the conversation for “future planning,” not immediate action
• Recognize that no one wants to give up her or his independence
• Try to find common ground through “what if” scenarios [Read more…]