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How to be an Advocate for Your Parents During the Assisted Living Search

As a family caregiver for your aging loved one, you probably play many roles. Some days you’re a chauffeur, driving your mom to her doctor appointment. Other days you’re a financial adviser, making sure your dad’s bills are paid on time.

The most important role you play is that of advocate, says Bianca Syriac, marketing director at the Ivy at Ellington.

What Is a Senior Advocate?

When Syriac talks about being an advocate for your aging parents, she’s talking about supporting and looking out for your loved one’s best interests as they are provided care in the medical system and their home.

As your parents’ advocate, you:

  • Understand their wishes for care and quality of life and make sure they’re adhered to
  • Help them manage finances and legal matters
  • Make certain they receive appropriate and high-quality services and treatments when they need them
  • Serve as their voice when they are unable to advocate for themselves

Essentially, you come alongside your loved one to help them navigate medical care, the medical system, and long-term care resources.

How Do You Advocate During the Search for Assisted Living?

As an advocate for your parents, you want to ensure the best life possible for them as they age, which requires starting the search sooner rather than later.

“The earlier the better, just so you know what’s out there,” Syriac says. “There are even benefits to moving into assisted living before you have to — creating a new routine, making new friends, aging in place. Have the move happen when it’s easier to move. That way, your loved one can begin to be active and really get to take advantage of everything the community has to offer.”

Unfortunately, many families don’t start exploring their options until they are overwhelmed by care responsibilities or there is a crisis, Then, they’re stuck with wherever a bed is available — whether it’s the right fit for their loved one or not.

“If you do the research ahead of time, it makes those crisis situations easier because you’re already aware of who’s out there and what kind of services they provide,” Syriac says.

Here are three ways you can advocate for your parents as you search for the assisted living community that will best meet their needs.

1. Pay Attention

“As their advocate, you need to know what their day-to-day life is like, that way you can make sure the day-to-day life at the assisted living communities you’re looking at fits their lifestyle,” Syriac says.

As you search for the right assisted living community, be honest about your loved one’s abilities, health, moods, safety needs, and desires. “When you’re honest with assisted living providers, then we’re better fit to help you.”

Take notes of small shifts in your loved one’s behaviors over time so you can find the assisted living community that best fits their needs and lifestyle.

2. Get Organized

“Sometimes loved ones aren’t able to make care decisions, so as their advocate, making sure they have a power of attorney in place is extremely important,” Syriac says.

If your parents haven’t made these arrangements, ask them who they’d like to take the lead on decision-making if the unexpected happens. It’s important to let them know that you will respect their wishes and support their choices so you can have an honest discussion.

3. Communicate

As your parents’ advocate, it is critical that you are comfortable communicating with those who help care for your loved ones, from siblings and friends to doctors and lawyers. For example, if you’re searching for assisted living communities, Syriac suggests asking your circle for recommendations.

“You can read reviews online, but word of mouth is a powerful tool,” she says. “Ask friends and family about their experiences. Even ask your physician or your parents’ physician. They usually know what places have more strengths than weaknesses.”

For families who are in the midst of the search for an assisted living facility for their loved one, Syriac says to go with your gut.

“You really want to make the best move for your family member, whether it be the Ivy or not,” she says. “Do what’s best for your family member. You’re their biggest advocate.”

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Assisted living can be a touchy subject. No matter how you approach it, your parent is likely to have objections to something.

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This checklist will help to make sure you are getting the most out of your visit to The Arbors.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-How to Choose the Right Assisted Living Community: What You Need to Know Before You Begin Your SearchHave you decided that assisted living is the best option for your elderly parent, and now are feeling overwhelmed on how to begin your search for the right community?

This guide will go over what you need to know before you make a decision.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Costs and AffordabilityAre you considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one but are hesitant about the cost? Assisted living costs, services and amenities vary greatly among the last and most expensive communities, and costs are higher in some states than others.

This guide will answer questions you may have about the costs of assisted living and recommend resources to help you pay for it.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Having “The Talk” With Your Parent: It’s Time for Assisted Living
Talking to your aging parent about moving to an assisted living community isn’t easy.

Often, many adult children avoid bringing it up because it can be a sensitive topic.

This guide will provide you with helpful tips and insight on how to have a productive conversation with your parent and siblings regarding your parent’s future.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-The Challenges of Aging: How to Handle Your Aging Parent’s Difficult BehaviorsDifficult behaviors in elderly adults are very common. They may be an expression of frustration your loved one feels or a symptom of early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

This guide will provide you with skills and knowledge on how to handle difficult behaviors your aging parent may be experiencing.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Becoming a Family Caregiver: What You Need to Know Before Deciding to Take Care of a Loved One
Becoming a family caregiver can be a rewarding experience. It also has its challenges.

There are many questions to answer before making the decision to take care of a loved one.

This guide will provide answers to questions you may have on this topic.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Helping Your Parent Manage DepressionIs your parent or loved one depressed, or just in a bad mood?

What does medication and illness have to do with depression?

How can you help? In this guide, you will be provided with answers to the difficult questions you may have about depression.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Is It Depression? A Guide to Identifying and Addressing Depression in Aging AdultsHas your aging parent recently lost interest in activities they used to enjoy? Have you noticed a change in their mood and behavior?

This guide will provide you with resources and tools on how to identify depression, what are the common causes of depression, and how to promote mental health in your aging loved one.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Does your loved one need more support than what they are getting? Would they benefit from some assistance with daily activities?

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What qualities in a community should you look for? How do you know you made the right decision?


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Has your dad stopped getting together for lunches or outings with friends or visits with neighbors? Have you stopped enjoying time with your parents because you’re a caregiver?

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Guide-Getting Your Affairs in Order
No one ever plans to be sick or disabled, and disasters, man-made or natural, can happen at any time, anywhere.

Yet older adults are among the most vulnerable during a crisis. That’s why it’s critical that seniors, and those who care for them, prepare for emergencies.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-Guide to Making the Move to Assisted Living
Moving to assisted living is a life-changing event.

This guide provides tips and ideas on downsizing, what to pack and how to make the transition smooth for your senior parent.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Solutions to Common Caregiving ChallengesIn this eBook, you’ll learn how to talk with family and friends about caregiving challenges, how to deal with a parent who is resistant to help, how to get more caregiving help from your siblings, and how to keep your job while caregiving.


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How Moving My Loved One to The Arbors Eliminated My Caregiving ChallengesHave you had to cut back your hours at work to care for your mom? Are you worried about administering medications or injections?

Have you stopped getting together with friends, either because you don’t have the time or you’re too exhausted? Are you becoming the invisible second patient?


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-When is the Right Time for Memory Care?In this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the early symptoms of dementia; the seven stages of dementia and the symptoms that typically accompany each one; and the signs it’s time to start exploring your memory care options.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-What to Look for in a Memory Care CommunityIn this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between assisted living and memory care, how healthcare professionals are trained in dementia care, common features of a memory care community, and questions you should ask when exploring your memory care options.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-Brothers and Sisters
Navigating adult sibling relationships can be a challenge, but coming together for the sake of your parent is important.

In this guide, you’ll learn about common sibling conflicts that arise when caring for parents, strategies for getting siblings on board, and where to turn to for help.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-The StandoffAssisted living can be a touchy subject. No matter how you approach it, your parent is likely to have objections to something.

As you help them transition to a new stage of life, it helps to be prepared with answers to their questions and concerns.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-11 Most Common Caregiving Challenges
A Guide to the Most Common Family Caregiver Challenges Associated with Caring for an Aging Parent.

You’ll learn about the true costs of being a family caregiver, common family conflicts that can occur when caring for parents, and some of the unexpected challenges of caregiving.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Checklist_ Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Community
This checklist will help to make sure you are getting the most out of your visit to The Arbors.

The list details what important questions to ask during your visit so you are able to make an enlightened choice and find the best assisted living community for your needs.

NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-What is Assisted Living Really LikeIf you’re unsure what Assisted Living looks like in real life, whether there is a difference with nursing homes or a desire to see how community life unfolds, then this guide is exactly what you need.

A guide to discover the Care Team and a Typical Day in Assisted Living.

NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Cost Comparison guide

You’re probably wondering how much the different senior living options compare to your current situation.
If you do, then this guide is exactly what you need.


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