By: Kathy Kappler
Recap
As we mentioned in the previous blog, we had just held an intervention for a woman in her mid-80s who, at this point, had had two falls in two years and family, friends, and doctors agreed that she needed to move into a senior care home. After hosting an intervention, she agreed to tour some facilities.
Sometimes it Takes an Intervention for Senior Care Homes
We toured the studio in the assisted living apartment that originally appealed to her. Upon seeing it, everyone agreed, that it was the perfect location, price, and amenities to suit her lifestyle. Immediately, the daughter insisted that her mother write a move-in check before leaving the tour.
This somewhat aggressive approach irritated the mother and she was actually pretty upset about it. This is understandable since it is a big commitment, but unlike buying a house or a car, when you’re an elder shopping for senior care homes, you’re not alone. Not only do you have the support and knowledge from friends and family, but experts that are there to specifically help you; to move you through the process as quickly, efficiently and as stress-free as humanly possible. We’ve all done this before, so we know the fears and anxieties that go along with it, but we are a qualified support group.
The mother didn’t like feeling pressured into making a big commitment, but she realized that her daughter’s intentions were in her best interests. She apologized, and sure enough signed a check to move in. Later, she even admitted that she didn’t feel anxious going to sleep that night, but in fact, was confident in her decision. She went to sleep excited about planning where her furniture would go in her new apartment.
When is an Intervention the Right Move?
Sometimes intervention is the right move for your elder. When they’re in a controlled environment and of sound mind, then being surrounded by friends and family is a good reminder that this is for the best. However, this is not always going to be the case.
In a previous blog, we talked about how seniors with dementia may feel like you’re ganging up on them if you talk to them with a group of people. In that particular circumstance, an intervention may not be the right route to take.
An intervention works with this woman in particular because she had experienced two falls in two years and was suffering from depression as a result of loneliness. Not to mention that it was extremely affordable since we managed to help her get the Veteran’s Aid and Attendance she was entitled to.
An intervention can work for some seniors, but not for everyone. If you think your elder needs to find a senior care home, then talk to their social worker, primary care physician, friends or one of our care advisors. We can help you determine the best course of action to take to make sure your elder properly taken care of.
