Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - Many adults are finding themselves confronted with a difficult decision. Should they place a loved one in an assisted living or elder-care facility or not?
For Diane Elwell, the decision to move her parents into an assisted living facility was a difficult one. She had to work through the process with her husband.
"Keep coming over, keep asking if they're alright, ask what they need and just try and feel comfortable,” said Brian Elwell.
Assisted living specialists say it’s important that all those concerned arrive at the decision together.
“Get help, get support,” said Marcy Cole of Loretto. “Don’t do it alone. Get siblings together and unite and have that conversation.”
Cole says it’s best to be proactive in those situations. Those considering placing a loved one in an assisted living facility should begin researching before making that the move.
"You shop first and kind of see where you think your loved one would fit, then bring them. Have lunch, have dinner, spend time there,” she said.
Diane Elwell said her parents have become comfortable in their new facility.
“Now they found out the whole place is their home. They have the living room, they have their dining room they have room upstairs for exercise. I think they know they can leave whenever they want to leave,” she said.
Cole cautioned that people should not worry that price will keep people out of any facility. They can be expensive, but financial arrangements can be made.
