How To Convince Your Children That
You Should Stay In Your Own Home
By Art Mussman
The great majority of older people are most comfortable in their own homes. If they feel they can’t manage by themselves, then they will consider moving to assisted living or a group home. But their children are always worried about break-ins, falls and heart attacks, and want them to make that move before it is really necessary. These are the same children they potty trained and used to worry about when they were late coming home. The shoe is clearly on the other foot now. If you are facing this situation, read on…
Think back to the way that they convinced you to trust them was their making an effort to calm your fears by keeping you informed and acting responsibly. Remember how comforting it was when you realized you could trust them. Now, you must do the same thing!
In order to maintain your independence, you must convince your children through your own behavioral adaptations that you can live independently.
Here’s how:
1. Eat. Don’t skip meals. If you aren’t hungry, don’t eat much. Keep your refrigerator and pantry well stocked with the food you eat. Get rid of the spoiled, moldy, and stale stuff. Occasionally, invite your children over for a meal. Be a good hostess, use the good dishes, stay relaxed and within yourself.
2. Organize your finances and pay your bills. Your children will worry that you will be cheated. Budget. Give your charity money to your own church or a charity that you are familiar with. Suppress the urge to give money to anyone with a sad story, especially those on TV. Don’t give any money to people who phone you or come to your door unasked, and that includes repairmen. Ask your children for help with selecting repair people and organizing major financial operations.