Talking to your parents about senior living options is something that perhaps has been frequently crossing your mind lately – but you are hesitant to bring it up. It’s not too hard to understand why. A topic such as this could trigger various emotions, such as fears of mortality and loss of independence. However, your parents’ current health situation or lack of family and support around might be pushing you more and more towards wanting to talk about this.
Here are three ways that can help you talk about senior living options with parents:
Start the conversation early and keep it light
Talking to your parents while they are physically healthy and financially stable is the best thing you can do for yourself, and for them too. Since this is a topic that can get a bit overwhelming, you want to tread lightly and make your parents understand that you only want what’s best for them. Make sure to explain to them that whatever their future plans are, they have your full support.
Ask questions such as:
- Is it getting tiring for you to maintain and care for your home lately?
- Do you get lonely often and would you enjoy the company of other people your age?
- Do you feel you could require more help with your current health condition?
Bringing up such questions is a soft opening for a discussion to take place where you can hear your parents share their concerns and hopes for their life ahead.
Don’t be pushy and know when to hit pause:
It’s always helpful to have the support of other siblings when having this conversation. However, you also don’t want to make your parents feel as if you are all trying to push them towards a certain direction. The focus should be on making this a topic that comes up often enough for it to start getting considered, yet not feel like it’s a decision they must make ASAP. Use their current health concerns, financial plans, or home chores as an excuse to start a conversation about the various senior living options that are thriving today.
Gather your information beforehand:
It’s always a smart idea to educate yourself by learning about all the assisted living options available and what arrangement would suit your parents best. Many living communities come with a lot of amenities and services, as well as multiple living options to suit different lifestyles and budgets. Learn about them further by arranging visits to those you feel match the criteria of what your parents may like.
If you feel during conversation that they feel positive about considering senior living options, arrange for a tour with them so that you can discuss more in person together.
If you are looking for assisted living options in Bradenton, Florida, where your parents can enjoy a lifestyle full of various services, healthcare and leisure, contact us at Westminster Manor. Our various living options are constructed and maintained keeping the comfort, trust and happiness of seniors in mind, and we would love for you to learn more about us by scheduling a tour.
