Overcoming Inertia

“A body at rest, tends to stay at rest”. – Newton

Inertia is characterized as “resistance or unwillingness to motion, action or change.” In laymen terms, inertia translates as our fear of change, of the new and unfamiliar, or our resistance to the big task at hand.

Inertia can keep seniors in homes not suitable to cater to their wellbeing, all while they continue seeking justifications to stay put. Stress from living in these conditions can result in anxiety, worry and depression.

As we have all experienced, moving out of a family home can be emotional. Seniors have trouble letting go of responsibilities or independence. Adult children who are encouraging to move their loved ones are doing it for all the right reasons. But talking to parents can be hard at any age. It is common for a parent to be mad or sad at the idea of moving. Children often give up on the conversations because they want to avoid emotional outbursts or hurt feelings. Tough love is a hard concept in any household, but it is still love.

The concept of putting our parents into a senior living community or some sort of “home” was culturally taboo. However, there are options for a successful transition:

Overcoming Inertia

• Seniors define their independence by their home, not by the quality of their lifestyle. The earlier you begin the conversation with your loved ones, the more successful it will be. The closer seniors get to having to make a move, the less inclined they are to talk about it or make the change.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of aging in place, moving in with family members, using home health care services, engaging private live-in caregivers or applying for residency at any one of the senior living communities in the area.
• Families should begin the research on options for senior living communities long before a move is eminent. Only by visiting a community, experiencing the atmosphere, observing the residents and associates interacting, can you really understand what change can mean.

While the National Aging in Place Council reports that more than 90 percent of older adults would prefer to age in place, that’s not always financially, logistically, physically, or emotionally feasible or optimal, particularly as it pertains to loneliness and lack of social interaction.

Families are not looking for someone to tell them what to do, but rather for guidance to help them better understand their circumstances and the options available to them.

Reinventing Senior Living^®

We believe that needing assistance and enjoying a rich, active lifestyle are not mutually exclusive. Your loved one deserves to have it all. At Tuscan Gardens^®, they do. Contact us to discover the perfect setting for dignified living in a space that feels like home.