5 Tips for How to Talk to Your Parents About Assisted living

Adult children of seniors often struggle with how to talk to parents about assisted living. It starts with empathy, respect, and patience, and a bit of homework. Here are some suggestions on a compassionate approach that can help keep the conversation constructive and supportive.

Opening up communication: how to talk to parents about assisted living

1. Bring up the subject casually.

Moving to assisted living isn’t something a person or couple generally decides in a day. It takes time to plant the seed, which is important to keep in mind as you consider how to talk to parents about assisted living.

For example, if you know of someone whose parents are enjoying an enhanced quality of life now that they are settled in assisted living, mention that when talking to Mom or Dad. Or, if you see them struggling to keep up with home repairs, lawn maintenance, or other household concerns, it might be a good time to comment on how nice it would be if they could just leave all that behind and start enjoying life more—after all, they’ve earned it!

2. Approach it from a place of empathy.

Let them know you understand their concerns of not wanting to give up their freedom as well as control of their daily life, and that you care about their health and happiness and have their best interests in mind. Give them the opportunity to express any doubts or concerns they may have about moving to assisted living.

Sometimes simply getting the topic out there can reduce the worries and fears that your parents may have been harboring about making a major life change. It’s an important aspect of understanding how to talk to parents about assisted living.

3. Be sure they understand what assisted living is and what it can offer them.

Knowing how to talk to parents about assisted living means being sure to not assume they have a clear understanding of what it is. You might also be learning the facts yourself, especially if you haven’t had any previous need to acquaint yourself with what is available in modern assisted living.

One key thing to keep in mind is to be sure your parents understand that assisted living is not the same as a nursing home. Whereas skilled nursing is chiefly directed to those with serious health conditions in needs of 24-hour care, assisted living is an opportunity to enjoy newfound freedom and opportunities for socializing, wellness, lifelong learning, and a strong sense of independence and belonging. Today’s assisted living communities offer an array of top-tier amenities and services that promote healthy aging and fulfillment.

4. Don’t get in a rush.

If your parents are still living successfully on their own, or if they seem a bit reluctant to approach the subject of moving to assisted living, then it’s best not to pressure them to make a decision. They will appreciate you showing them you respect who they are and that you have not forgotten they are the parents, and you are the adult child. Every family is different, and knowing how to talk to parents about assisted living means a lot of listening and understanding.

5. Do your homework beforehand.

You don’t have to become an expert on senior living by any means. However, if asked to suggest some specific options to explore, it could be very helpful to provide specific answers.

For example, do your own research on communities in your area. Check out their websites, ask friends and neighbors for any suggestions they might have based on personal experience, and even consider going on your own tour to get a close-up feel for the atmosphere and amenities. This could give you the extra details that could help convince your parents to conduct their own search for the right choice. If they sound agreeable, offer to tour a few communities with them.

Get help from the experts when moving to assisted living

At Carriage Crossing, we want to help you find the customized selection for you or your loved ones. Carriage Crossing assisted living in Illinois, Georgia, and Tennessee is designed to offer everything needed to feel at home right away.

Download our free guide, “Exploring Assisted Living at Carriage Crossing” or contact us today.

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