Kelley Smith at CarePartners Living talks about senior loved ones continuing to be honored over the holidays once they are in assisted living. People ask questions about whether to take Mom home over the holiday, can she handle the noise, should we hire a caregiver, what if mom feels isolated in the home because she can’t keep up? We suggest that you not make assumptions and see what your senior loved one is capable of. For example, if Mom always made the dinner, but now she’s aged and in assisted living and her mobility’s not the same, but still wants to be part of that, can’t you find something in that kitchen to do that gives her purpose and makes her still feel like she’s part of the family? If we pat her hand and say no, just go in the living room and visit with family, we’re not giving her the dignity of letting her still feeling like she’s part of that process.
