Understanding When It's Time for a Change: Supporting Mississauga Seniors and Their Families

Seeing your parents as people doesn’t always come naturally. For your whole life, you likely saw your Mom or Dad as your protector, caregiver, sounding board or guide. These are people that you admire and perceive as pillars of strength. No matter how old you get, there is still comfort in calling Mom or Dad after a bad day or when you need a boost.

As adult children, we often forget that our parents are people too. They have their struggles, limitation and challenges – especially as they age. It’s hard to imagine – let alone watch them – experiencing a loss of independence or becoming more vulnerable. As a family, we try to do all we can to support aging parents to fend off a significant lifestyle change, like a move into a retirement community or some other form of care. But, indeed, in these types of situations, transitioning to a supportive senior living environment can rekindle an aging parent’s independence by providing them access to the support, care and social opportunities they need to lead a fulfilling life. 

Understanding the Need for a Lifestyle Change

As for when to know if it’s time for a lifestyle change, the saying “Age is only a number” applies. A life phase or milestone should not be the driving factor. Instead, it’s all about function and autonomy. 

If your parents have difficulty maintaining their home or worry about safety risks, such as stairs or an inaccessible bathroom, moving into a senior community might be the peace of mind they (and you) need. There are emotional drivers, too, like craving more social interaction or struggling with feelings of isolation that can arise when seniors live alone.

Critical Considerations for a Smooth Transition

Other things to consider include:

• Can your parents manage their daily needs, like attending appointments, getting prescriptions, buying groceries or making nutritious meals?

• Are there areas of your Mom or Dad’s life that would benefit from extra support so they could be more independent?

• Are there any risks to their health and safety by remaining in their home?

• Can your parents still make sound decisions about their health and well-being?

• Can they manage their money and keep up with financial obligations like bills and living expenses?

This isn’t an exhaustive list, and specific questions and considerations will be unique to your Mom or Dad’s situation. There are no right or wrong answers either. But by being aware of your parents’ function and autonomy, you will be better equipped to gauge where they are on their journey of needing a more supportive care environment – now or in the future.

Seeking Guidance from a Lifestyle55+ Affiliate in Mississauga

If you want to know how to support your parents in a late-in-life transition, a Lifestyle55+ Affiliate (formerly an Accredited Senior Agent) is a great resource. We have special training and expertise related to seniors and their living options so you can make the best decision for your loved ones based on their circumstances.

To learn more, please get in touch with me, Deborah Clerk, Real Estate Sales Representative and ASA at Keller Williams Realty Associates, Brokerage, in Mississauga, Ontario, for sound advice to guide your decision.