How to Talk to Your Parents About Their Senior Living Options

An adult daughter shows her mother something on a tablet.

Change is hard for almost everybody, but it can also be an opportunity to make life better in many ways. That’s the message you’ll want to deliver when talking to your parents about their senior living options — and it begins with doing your homework and being prepared to address their concerns and questions. Keep reading to check out the six things you’ll want to do before launching this important conversation.

1. Do Your Homework

Make a list of the living options for seniors in the area you’re considering and check out their websites to see what levels of care they offer. Many senior living communities offer independent living and assisted living, as well as rehabilitation and skilled nursing. Take a look at this guide if you’re uncertain what level of care is right for your parents.

Once you narrow your list down, the next step is to arrange phone calls to learn more about pricing and availability — an important step to make sure that you only present viable options that will work with your parents.

2. Evaluate the Challenges Your Parents Are Facing

Another way to prepare for your conversation is to create a list of challenges your parents may be dealing with. Has daily life become challenging? Can they safely navigate the steps in their home or their driveway in the winter? Do they have any health conditions they have trouble managing at home? Talk to other family members and see if they have anything to add. Your parents may not even be aware of how difficult life has become for them — and how much easier it could be if they explore their senior living options.

3. Be Ready to Share the Benefits of Senior Living

If your parents haven’t seen how today’s best senior living communities operate, their feelings may be based on outdated perceptions. The best senior living options are not a place to go when you’re out of options. Rather, they’re communities where you can get more out of life. Paint a mental picture for them of meeting friends for coffee, taking a dip in a heated pool, visiting an on-site beauty salon, or joining in on movie night — all without getting in a car. Have them imagine a life without shoveling snow or fixing the roof. Don’t feel like cooking anymore? They don’t have to. If they don’t know what senior living has to offer, they won’t be able to see the many ways it could make their lives better.

4. Prepare Conversation Starters

Simply asking your parents if they like the idea of moving isn’t likely to lead to much of a conversation. Instead, ask more open-ended questions such as:

Is it getting harder to manage the steps to the laundry room or keep up with the house or yard?
Has driving become difficult, especially at night?
Would you enjoy life more if you had less to manage and take care of?
Would you like to try new things, socialize, play cards, take in performances and lectures, etc?
Would they enjoy having access to a heated pool or fitness classes?

5. Don’t Pressure Your Parents

When the time comes to talk with your parents about their options for senior living, try to have the conversation in person and at a time when everyone is feeling rested and not rushed. Once you calmly and clearly outline your concerns, as well as possible solutions, be prepared to listen. Give your parents the space and time to think over everything you’ve shared with them without trying to force them to decide anything on the spot.

6. Follow Up With an Offer to Arrange a Visit

The next step is to ask your parents if they’d like to visit one of the senior living communities you’ve told them about. This will give them a chance to see firsthand the quality of life they could be enjoying. The best senior living communities will often treat visitors to a meal, arrange for them to have a chat with a few current residents, and will be happy to answer any questions you or your parents may have.

Discover the Springpoint Difference

See how fulfilling — and interesting — life can be by taking a look at Springpoint’s senior living communities in New Jersey and Delaware. Contact us with any questions you may have or to schedule a tour. We look forward to welcoming you to Springpoint — and helping you and your parents explore the many benefits our communities have to offer.