Steps to Consider for your Loved One

Don’t wait until a crisis forces you to make a decision about the next step of housing or care for your senior relative. Talk to others who have tried various living arrangements. Seek out answers and alternatives before a final decision is required.

Before Choosing Wildwood Grove...

Be sure your family has discussed and is in agreement with the need to move your loved one. This presents a caring, united front.
Accept that an assisted-living decision will not be made quickly; it will likely take you several family discussions over a period of time.
Seek advice from a doctor and/or minister, priest or rabbi. In addition to being valuable input to the family, a professional’s opinions and suggestions may be well-received by your loved one.
In some cases, it is not possible for your loved one to make a decision themselves due to physical/mental limitations. Determine if he or she is capable of informed decision-making.
Consider the financial, social and emotional needs of your loved one. Remember, nothing is perfect, so choose the “closest fit” from options.
Remember that there is no magical formula for presenting options to your loved one. Each person is different and requires a different approach.
Allow your loved one to voice feelings and concerns. Don’t try to minimize these feelings. Perhaps convey that you are also sharing these same feelings and concerns, but that the situation is such that a decision must be made in spite of these concerns.
Pre-screen and limit the choices of facilities you coonsider for your loved one. If he or shie is able to independently make a decision, offer two or three options to choose from.
Convey that your loved one's life will be less worrisome for all of you. Convey that you are concerned about your loved one's safety as well as the cost of upkeep in his or her current living environment. Stress the security and availability of transportation and social opportunities at the new facility.
Identify needs that are very specific to your loved one and point out what these communities provide. Allow your loved one to make as many choices possible in services and amenities.
Point out the positives of what your loved one will be able to do in the new home.
Take time to visualize and talk about where the furniture will fit in their new apartment.