Discussing Next Steps: Tips on Talking to Family about Moving to a Senior Community
Let’s face it: when your parents were young and planning out their lives, they likely did not include a plan to move to a senior living community. The truth is, they probably thought they could live in their own house, by themselves, for the rest of their lives. They might think that is the safest, most affordable, and overall best option.
And who can blame them? For many years, the idea of senior living conjured up images of institutionalized nursing homes. But in reality, today’s retirement and assisted living communities are built on personalized living and active social lives.
So how do you begin the conversation about senior living? Here are some ideas to help smooth the path to this transition.
Listen
It’s possible that your parents are ready to make a change, but they aren’t willing to actually say it. Listen to what they are saying and read between the lines. Have they mentioned being tired of home maintenance? Have they complained that they eat out too much? Maybe they’ve brought up that they wish their house didn’t have so many stairs.
As a caring family member or friend, take your cues from what you hear. Many older adults may be more open to having this conversation if you respectfully and thoughtfully respond to what they’re saying, rather than push the issue the way you want to present it.
Get An Outside Opinion
Have you done your research first? If you have, you’ve likely come across helpful people who are experts in the senior living field. Or maybe they have a friend who has already moved to a senior community and loves life there.
One barrier to a move may be fear of the unknown, so having your loved one talk to someone who has experienced it already could make a big difference. You can also use the resources and information you’ve found during research to help answer their questions along the way.
A Safety Perspective
Has their doctor already brought up the need for more help at home, or any potential health or safety issues? Perhaps hearing the necessity of a move from a trusted medical professional will make an impact on your loved one.
It also might help for your family member to consider how a move can prevent an injury before it happens. For instance, you could mention the safety features at a senior community and then discuss your concerns that your parents aren’t quite as safe at their own home. Always bring this topic up with empathy, rather than fear.
Visit a Senior Community
Sometimes a person just has to see a senior living community to understand how vibrant and active they are—nothing like the stereotype your parents may be imagining. See if they are interested in a visit, where they can have a meal to see if they like the food, or they can sample a life-enriching activity or event. Maybe they can even enjoy a sample stay to really understand a day in the life of a senior community member.
They can meet residents there and ask questions from people who actually live there. The key is that this is something they can try without a commitment or any pressure to make a decision. But the experience may spark a conversation that will lead to a move.
If you’d like to take a quick survey, we can help you see if senior living is right for your parents. Simply click here to begin.
And if you’d like more assistance in having a conversation about senior living with your loved ones, reach out to us—we’d be happy to help.
